Mary Ann Hornikel, 86, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, where she was greeted with open arms by her mother and reunited with so many of the people she had loved and missed dearly.
Mary Ann was born on July 16, 1940, to Marcella and Tracy Knauff. She grew up alongside her three siblings, Leon, Karlene, and Gary, all of whom preceded her in death. Their absence was something Mary Ann carried with her throughout the years, and she missed them dearly.
Mary Ann attended West Portsmouth High School, graduating in 1958. During her high school years, she was a proud majorette and made memories with a wonderful group of girlfriends, including Nancy, Sue, and Wilma. Those friendships and memories remained special to her throughout her life.
Mary Ann married her high school sweetheart, Bill, and together they built a life centered around love and family. Their marriage endured until Bill’s passing in August 2009. Together, Mary Ann and Bill raised three children: Denise (Jeff) VanMeter, Scott (Denise) Hornikel, and David Hornikel, who survive her.
Just when Mary Ann thought she had finished raising her children, along came her special granddaughter, Katey (Derek) Weaver. Mary Ann made a place in her heart and in her life for Katey not simply as a granddaughter, but as a daughter of her own.
Mary Ann is also survived by her special brother-in-law, Martin Hornikel.
As if fulfilling every role of motherhood were not enough, Mary Ann went on to become an extraordinary grandmother. She was the kind of grandmother who showed up. She rarely missed a game, celebration, milestone, or important event. Her family could count on looking into the crowd and finding her there, cheering them on.
She is survived by her grandchildren, Cody VanMeter, Jay VanMeter, Cory (Desiree) Hornikel, Tiffani (Alex) Mayer, Ashley (Shawn) Willman, Makayla Weaver, Izabellah Weaver, and Kaydynn Weaver.
Mary Ann was preceded in death by her beloved granddaughter, Brittany.
Mary Ann’s family continued to grow through another generation. She is survived by her great-grandchildren, Eliza, Leah, Sophia, Blythe, and Bowen. She was also eagerly awaiting the arrival of the family’s newest addition, Lincoln, whom she was so excited to meet in the coming weeks.
She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
And last, but certainly not least, Mary Ann’s love extended far beyond the branches of her family tree. Her beloved best friend of 50 years, Carol, remained faithfully by her side until Mary Ann’s final day. A friendship lasting half a century is a gift few are fortunate enough to experience, and theirs was one filled with loyalty, history, laughter, and love.
Mary Ann knew how to give love, but she also knew what it meant to be deeply loved. She spent her life serving others. From her years serving as a church secretary to the countless hours she spent babysitting grandchildren, attending their activities, helping her children, and simply being there whenever someone needed her, Mary Ann lived a life of service to the people she loved.
She gave her time freely. She showed up. She cared. She loved. To her children, she was Mom. To her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she was a constant source of love and support, a Mimi. To Carol, she was a best friend of five decades. To those fortunate enough to know her, she was someone whose presence mattered.
Mary Ann leaves behind generations of people who are better because she loved them. Her absence leaves a tremendous void in the hearts of those closest to her, but the love she poured into her family throughout her 86 years does not leave with her. It remains in every memory, every family gathering, every story told about her, and every life she helped shape. Mary Ann spent a lifetime taking care of everyone else. Now, she is home.
Graveside services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Monday, October 5, 2026, in Mt. Zion Cemetery, Lucas.
Werner-Gompf Funeral Services, 1106 Park Avenue East, Mansfield, is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements.
Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.wernergompf.com
Funeral Home: Werner-Gompf Funeral Services
Website: www.wernergompf.com