Mary Jo (Rix) Horner

Mary Jo (Rix) Horner, 93 of Battle Creek, Michigan died peacefully at home with her family at her side on Friday, April 28, 2023.

Mary Jo was born on August 10, 1929, in Kalamazoo, Mi to Fred and Frances (Barrett) Rix.  She attended Kalamazoo College, where she met the love of her life, Robert Horner.  They married on October 27, 1951, and together they raised four daughters. 

Mary Jo enjoyed traveling, cooking, reading, and playing bridge, in addition to spending many years wintering in Florida.  She was a devoted volunteer for Leila Auxiliary/Bronson Battle Creek and St. Joseph Catholic Church Altar and Rosary Society.  Most of all, she loved spending time with her family. 

Surviving are her husband, Bob; daughters Carol (Rick) King of Portage, Nancy (Bill) Ford of Knoxville, TN, and Jean (Tom) Andersen of Battle Creek and son-in-law John Shinar of North Oaks, MN.  She was preceded in death by daughter Martha Shinar.  She also is survived by 12 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.   

A memorial mass will be held on Thursday, May 4, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, with a luncheon to follow.  Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery.

The family would like to recognize the staff at Centrica Care Navigators for their amazing care and support for Mary Jo and our family over the last 6 months.  We are eternally grateful.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Mary Jo’s name towards Alzheimer’s and Breast Cancer research at www.alzheimersresearchfoundation.com and www.bcrf.org.

Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.