Donna Van Horn passed away Friday, Aug. 5, 2016 in Knox Community Hospital following an extended illness. She was 82.
She was born June 3, 1934 to parents John and Alberta Oyster in Bellville and graduated from Bellville High School. At a square dance in Johnsville, she met a handsome young man named John Richard Van Horn who was home on leave from the service. The couple soon married July 19, 1954 in the Church of Christ parsonage in Bellville. They shared 55 wonderful years of marriage until he passed away in 2009. They are now together again.
Donna dedicated her life to making a loving home for her husband and three children. She made the best macaroni salad ever and her family would fight over who got to take home the leftovers. She was a good cook and made all sorts of other treats too, but nothing came close to her famous macaroni salad.
In younger years, Donna liked going camping all over (she and John were members of a little camping club with friends) and they enjoyed more than 16 years of extended Florida trips. She was a serious NASCAR fan and her family knew better than to call her during a race. Donna also enjoyed listening to the Gaither Vocal Band, but above all she cherished spending time with her grandchildren.
She was a member of Palmyra Church of Christ, and a former member of New Life Church of Christ in Bellville.
Donna is survived by her children Connie (Carroll) Roberts, of Fredericktown, Michael (Shirley) Van Horn, of Loudonville, and James Van Horn, of West Salem; seven grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; a sister Jo Anne Cunningham; and a special nephew Craig Cunningham along with numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband John Van Horn; a great-grandson Randy Gordon, Jr.; brother-in-law Bob Cunningham; and a niece Laura Cunningham.
The Van Horn family will receive friends Monday, Aug. 8, 2016 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Bellville Snyder Funeral Home. The graveside funeral service, led by Evangelist Troy Northrop, will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. in Bellville Cemetery.
Memorial contributions to Jefferson Township-Bellville Rescue Squad may be made at the funeral home.
Snyder Funeral Homes is honored to serve Donna’s family and encourage you to share a fond memory or message of condolence to them — and watch her tribute video — at SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
