Ann Horns

On Jan. 18, 2016, Okema Lucy Ann (Stowe) Horns died peacefully following a fall in her apartment at Scottish Rite Park. Ann was born in Mangum, OK on May 5, 1927 and was raised in Riverside, CA. She moved to Des Moines in 1946 with her husband, Don, and they spent 50 wonderful years together. Don passed away in 1996. Services for Ann will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, January 30th at Scottish Rite Park, 2909 Woodland in Des Moines. Okema Ann moved to Riverside, California at a young age. She was the youngest child of 5 and was raised in a single-parent home. Her mom and oldest brother worked very hard to provide a loving home for the family. She learned to enjoy nature, have faith in God and to work diligently. She appreciated quality in all things. At age 18 she met a handsome Air Force corporal who was stationed near her in Arlington, CA. This young man was an Iowa boy named Donald Horns. After playing hard to get and not consenting to date him because she didnt know him well enough, she finally gave him a chance. They corresponded while he was stationed in Seattle and he was completely smitten with this beautiful red head. In 1946 he went back to Iowa and by March he was headed back to California to get married and bring her to Iowa. He called her Ann, which she loved, so that became the name by which her Iowa friends and family knew her. Ann and Don enjoyed a 50-year marriage filled with love and adventure. Ann was an administrative assistant at Merrill Lynch. She was a very stylish woman who took pride in accurate, efficient work, and in looking sharp. Although work kept her very busy, she also found time for many interests and activities. For years Ann and Don were devoted sailors. They also spent many hours biking, playing games, celebrating holidays, and picnicking with friends. She enjoyed playing tennis, shopping, and sewing. She was a wonderful cook and loved to garden. Roses were her specialty. For more than 50 years she was a member of North Gate Chapter #417, O.E.S. Nothing filled her with more joy than traveling around the country to visit those who lived far away. Ann & Don often spent time in AZ during the cold Iowa winter while helping dear friends run their nursery and flower shop there. She adopted her Iowa family from the onset but missed her California family too. Ann kept in touch with her California family through regular visits and correspondence, and loved being invited to weddings and gatherings there. Only one thing in life brought her almost as much happiness and comfort as Don and that was her dog, King. He was totally dedicated to her. King was her companion and source of great pleasure. She believed that most dogs understand people better than we understand them. Perhaps, thanks to King, there wasnt a dog around that Ann wouldnt spoil if given a chance. Ann really took the time to learn about family and friends. She would listen and gather information so that she could find some way to support their interests or please their palate. Her baking skills were superb and her toffee was legendary! Her freezer was stocked with neighbors, friends, nieces and nephews favorite cookies, snacks or other goodies in case they might stop by. Ann is survived by nephews: Peter (Joyce) Royal, St. Augustine, FL, Jon Royal (Penny Sullivan) of Des Moines, IA, Donald (Teri) Stowe of Riverside, CA, Richard (Stella) Owens of Riverside, CA, and nieces: Karen (Keith) Richardson of Magnolia, TX, Susan (Tom) Bullis of Marion, IA, and Lucretia Darensbourg of Norco, CA. There are also many loving great-nephews and great-nieces all the way to one great-great-great-great niece. She was preceded in death by her mother, Lula Lue and father, Arvle Stowe, brothers Dillard Jack, Gordon, and Rufus Tom, and sister, Ethel. Ann was a woman of strong will, conviction, and faith. She believed that life was good and big and full, and strove to be a loving example of goodness every day. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to one of her favorite charities: Children & Family Urban Mission (CFUM) or The Miller Fund at Scottish Rite Park Cremation services provided by Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home.