Libby M Horning

Libby M. Horning was born on November 5th, 1923 to Libbie (née Krainik) Marshalek and her husband, Alois Marshalek.

Libby grew up during the depression in the harsh Wisconsin winters. Growing up during the depression instilled in her the need for self-reliance, and always being prepared for life’s little inconveniences.

She loved everything about the great and wild outdoors. As a young girl, she delighted in summers at the lake where she was free to swim and explore. She played field hockey and enjoyed archery, before it was acceptable for girls to do such things.

She spent hours working hard on her music lessons, which resulted in her becoming an accomplished young musician who played violin in the Milwaukee Youth Orchestra.

Libby met her future husband, Donald M. Horning, in art school before the dawn of World War II. When war came, they were first separated when he went to flight school, and then subsequently stationed in England as a B-17G co-pilot. After being shot down by anti-aircraft fire over Germany, her future husband’s parents received notice of his status of Missing in Action. Assuming he had actually perished, they promptly posted a Gold Star in the window.

However, Libby never gave up hope.

Finally, word came that he was alive, and a Prisoner of War.

After his release from German POW camp toward the end of the war, they were married during Don’s extended military leave. She had very fond memories of their leisurely travels during their month-long honeymoon in Florida.

Libby and Don raised 6 children over the years. Libby was a devoted mother, mother-in-law (her daughters-in-law were true daughters to her), grandmother, and great-grandmother.

She had a kind and nurturing manner, and lavished affirming praise and encouragement on her large family.

Her love for her family was expressed in many ways, including her excellent cooking and baking skills. The heavenly smell of her homemade cinnamon rolls wafting through the air was beloved by the entire family, and was her special “welcome home” to family members when they returned to the “homestead” for visits.

Libby spent years as a Cub Scout den mother, and enjoyed being able to lead and participate in these activities with her boys.

Libby relished her time outdoors working in the garden. Digging in the soil, and smelling the richness of the dark earth was both calming and restorative for her. She appreciated the practicality of vegetable gardening, and grew enough vegetables to feed her large family for the entire year.

She routinely woke early in the pre-dawn hours each morning-even before the birds started singing the songs that she knew so well. She relished her quiet time with that first cup of black coffee in the morning, while she worked on her crossword puzzles...in ink.

She loved reading novels, and was, herself, a talented author and illustrator.

One of her early works, a children’s book titled, “The Golden Secret” was rediscovered many years after she originally wrote and illustrated it.

Her son Gregory had this tome copyrighted and printed(along with many other personal writings), preserving a family heirloom for the generations to come.

She was an adventurous seeker…of travel, knowledge and life experiences.

She cherished wonderful memories of her travels (Europe, Caribbean Cruises, a VERY exciting and memorable Holy Land Excursion) and her ride in a hot-air balloon.

She never stopped learning-she thoroughly enjoyed attending community adult education classes, and writing courses.

A particularly delightful opportunity arose when she attended an Elder Hostel Writers Workshop close to family in historic New Harmony, Indiana.

She loved watching ALL sports on tv-from bowling, to golf, Indy Car racing, and ice skating. She was a fierce fan of the Indianapolis Colts.

She was very active for many, many years in St. Luke’s Methodist Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. She served as President, among other roles, many times over the years for different Women’s Circle Bible Study groups. She was pleased to have been instrumental in introducing new programs and ideas for engaging in worship in both the church as a whole, and in the women’s circles.

Devoting her time and energy to causes she supported was very important to her, and gave her a tangible way to help others. For many years, she faithfully volunteered her time with Lucille Raine’s Residence, a shelter for women and children who were leaving domestically abusive homes. Additionally, she read to students at the Indiana State School for the Blind, or voiced the daily newspaper. She did not care for snakes-AT ALL. (And there is a GREAT family story about THAT)

While she had always been a woman of faith, she was raised to not talk about religion or politics openly. She was reserved, and chose to keep her faith private. This was regarded as a matter for her own reflection, and sharing prayers and discussion within her small, church-based, Women’s Circle Bible Study groups. However, a few weeks before her passing, Libby voiced three public professions of faith-Choosing Christ, marking an important turning point in her spiritual path.

We were so fortunate to have had a wonderful, large family gathering just three weeks before her passing. It was her fondest wish to see ALL of her children together in the same room, at the same time. (A difficult task in a large, geographically spread out family). We shared family stories and our favorite memories of Mom WITH HER. A true celebration of her life - with her present to enjoy it with us.

Libby passed through this “veil of tears” to enter into her new life early on the morning of June 10th, 2023 with her daughter, Libby, and her very first daughter-in-law, Hope Kathleen, at her side… just as the sun was shining, the fresh morning air was wafting in the sweet smells of the trees, and her beloved birds were singing just outside her window.

Family who went before…

Donald Mitchel Horning, Husband

Libbie and Alois Marshalek, Parents

Jewel Vlasta Hajny, Sister

Family she left behind…

Six Children

Judson Marshall “Jud” Horning; Stevan Mark Horning and his wife, Jeanne Ruth Horning; Gregory Mason Horning, and his wife, Diane Lynn Horning; Donald Merit Horning, and his wife, Hope Kathleen Horning; Andrew Michael Horning, and his wife, Karin Wendyl “Wendy” Horning; Libby Madelon Young, and her husband, G. Richard “Rick”Young.

Fifteen Grandchildren

Hannah Ruth Strickland, and her husband C. Wesley, “Wes” Strickland; Sarah Elizabeth Horning; John Christian Horning, and his wife Sasha Mahar; Mary Beth Horning; Mark Gregory Horning, and his wife Sara Stout Horning; Joel Gabriel Horning, and his wife Yehchun Lee; Stewart Russell Horning, and his life partner Helen Leung; Sheridan Michelle Horning; David Horning Ryan, and his life partner Jillian Ann Brown; Phillip Andrew “Drew” Horning; Sean Michael Horning, and his wife Shelby Rymers; Erin Alexis Horning; Joseph Hallowell “Jop” Wieland-Horning, and his wife Macauley Wieland; Hark Josiah Horning; Richard Glenn “Rick” Young

Seven Great Grandchildren

Emily Ruth “Emme” Strickland; Georgiana Grace “Georgie” Strickland; Bryce Andrew Horning; Jackson Mitchel Horning; Evalynne Grace “Evie” Horning; Vincent Lee Horning; Forest Arileen Leung

Much Love, Many Prayers…

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