Gaylord - Donna L. Horning 70, passed away Friday, October 14, 2016; in the home of her mother-in-law, Leota Horning, in Gaylord, KS.
She was born on November 17, 1945 in Leavenworth, KS, the daughter of Lloyd and Anna Lucille (James) Owens. As a teenager she came to live with Margie and Harry Dannenberg in Gaylord, KS where she completed her high school education and met David Horning. Both nineteen years old, they became engaged and on September 10, 1964 she married David W. Horning at Christ Lutheran Church, north of Gaylord, KS. Five days after they were married, David was shipped to Vietnam serving in the Navy for four years, on the U.S.S. Kittyhawk. During David's tour in Vietnam, Donna attended Brown Mackie College in Salina where she studied business.
When David returned from Vietnam, he and Donna moved to Hesston, KS. They lived there for a short time before moving back to Gaylord to make it their home and raise their two children, Margo Marie and David Todd. Donna worked as a nurse at Smith County Hospital and the nursing home in Smith Center during their early married life. Later, Donna cooked in the Gaylord Inn and even had the privilege during one pheasant hunting season to serve Governor Bob Dole. Many community members enjoyed Donna’s rolls and cinnamon rolls, while others enjoyed her campfire cooking in cast iron at the cook camp in Vail, CO the summer the family spent running Spraddle Creek Livery. Donna and David enjoyed hosting Donna's family during the fall months when her brother came to hunt as well, and was always known to have a pot of chili or vegetable soup hot on the stove for her company. In May of 1985, David and Donna moved from Kansas to Lamar, CO where Donna worked as an Assistant Activities Director at the Sand and Sage Nursing facility while David worked for Rundell Ranch as ranch manager. It was during this time as well that they started the Clydesdale breeding program.
In 1988, Donna and David took a six horse hitch over 17,000 miles enjoying many county, and state horse exhibitions including the Denver Stock Show. Donna had an appreciation for the horses that David so loved and supported his endeavors by becoming the chief groomer and dresser of the horses. A highlight of Donna's involvement with the horses came the year she drove ladies cart in Oklahoma. Donna braided many manes, and always made sure the horses had tail bows and rosettes to match and were ready for the show ring. Donna loved the baby foals and colts the most and always was eager for a mare to foal to see if it were a filly or stud colt.
After seven years in Lamar, they moved further into Colorado to enjoy the San Louis Valley area where they owned and operated a curio and gift shop, "End of the Rail" gifts. It was during this time that David and Donna sat on a steering committee with the world renown Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad, Antonito, CO. In a short time they put together an advertisement campaign (marketing tool) to sell train tickets in the form of a six horse hitch of geldings. Donna also worked at the La Jara, CO Nursing Home as the activities director during this time. Donna always had a love for people, family and especially her faith in and love for God. She often looked for opportunity to share her faith with others. After ten years in Antonito, CO; David and Donna returned to make their home in Gaylord and live a semi-retired life. It was during this time Donna worked for the Farmers Bank of Osborne at the Gaylord branch office. Again, Donna loved meeting and greeting the public and always had a perpetual smile while serving.
Donna was her children’s and grandchildren’s biggest fan and loudest cheerleader and might even be heard “jawing” a referee or shouting “let’s see a little razzle dazzle boys!”
Though Donna was not a military veteran, she loved her country and considered herself a patriot. She loved the flag and made sure to honor all service men.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents, father-in-law, Richard Horning and three brothers-in-law, Frank Nash, Don Dannenberg, and Bob Hensley.
She is survived by her husband David of Gaylord; daughter Margo Cox of Smith Center; son Todd Horning & wife Staci of Alamosa, CO; five sisters, Marilyn Nash of Leavenworth, Patty Dannenberg of Gaylord, Dorothy Visocsky & husband Dennis of Leavenworth, Marla Tennyson & husband Ron of Brandenburg, KY, Linda Owens of Leavenworth; one brother Jack Comer & wife Betty of Leavenworth; mother-in-law Leota Horning of Gaylord; sister-in-law Laura Anne Hensley and husband Jerry Rinnert of Tonganoxie; six grandchildren, Alyssa Crowther & husband Spencer of Hanover, Nathan Cox of Smith Center, Trenna Cox of Manhattan, Lara Cox of Concordia, Zachary and Garrett Horning both of Alamosa, CO and two great grandchildren, Rhett and Jackson Crowther both of Hanover.
A celebration of Donna's life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at All Faiths Funeral Chapel, Smith Center, KS, with Pastors Mike Gooder and Tom James officiating. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Monday, October 17, 2016 and 8:00 a.m. until service time Tuesday at the funeral chapel. Burial will be in the Gaylord Cemetery, Gaylord, KS. Memorials may be given to Hospice Services of Smith County and/or John Hagee Ministries in care of the funeral chapel.