Nina G. Ward-Horne

Ward-Horne, Nina G. 95, of Richland. Died April 23, 2013, at Arbutus Park Manor. Born December 21, 1917, in Cairnbrook. Daughter of the late Percy Fulton and Lillie Mae (Gable) Miller. Also preceded in death by husbands; Hesker L. Horne who died in 1970 and William David Ward who died in 1993; son, Barry Lavan Horne who died in 2010 and daughter Melody Penny Custer who died in 2003; siblings, Grace, Orville, Richard (wife Margaret), and Merle (wife Sally). Survived by loving daughter-in-law, Linda Seese Horne, Johnstown; son-in-law, Howard Ray Custer, Jr., Claremore, OK; grandchildren, Douglas Horne, Berlin; Jodi Horne (Ron)Fresch, Johnstown; and Virginia Custer Brewington (Glenn); Great grandchildren, Mackenzie and Zane Horne, and Katie and Eli Fresch; Step children, Roberta Ward (LaCrosse, Wisconsin), John David (Sharon) Ward (Brooksville, Florida), Richard (Heidi) Ward (Hornbeck, Louisiana), and Patrick (Marilyn) Ward, (Hudson, Wisconsin); Ten step grandchildren; 18 step great grandchildren; and 3 step Great great grandchildren.  Nina had a busy and fulfilled life.  In the “30’s” it was unusual for a female to go to college, but she graduated from Edinboro State Teachers College in 1939 with a BS Degree in Public School Art and English.  Her teaching profession began in the Forbes (North Star) School District where she supervised the elementary art rooms for 18 years before moving on to the Jr & Sr High Art programs (24.5 years).  Her last 3 years of teaching included high school English.  She retired from the North Star School District in 1992.  Her creativity in art flowed into her love of many different types of crafts which she gifted to many who knew her. Nina was a lifelong member of Bethany United Methodist Church on Leventry Road.  She also served on two separate missionary trips with the Cree Indians in Dallas, Manitoba reservation (1972-1973).  Her first husband Hesker died in 1970 with Huntington’s disease.  And in 1974, her Aunt Blanche “fixed” her up with a “Florida man”… who swept Nina off her feet.  It was the BEST thing that could have ever happened for the two of them, as contentment and happiness overflowed in each of them.  Until her retirement, they traveled to Dave’s home in Florida for the summers, and would return here for her school year of teaching.  She loved to travel, and a favorite trip that stood out in her mind was when she and her husband Dave traveled with his sons’ family to Germany and Switzerland.  Many Sunday school, Bible School and Bible studies were taught by her…. here and in Dade City, Florida.  Nina felt she was a good sounding board for many friends and even strangers. She was stronger than she realized as she survived many (34) broken bones and multiple trips to the hospital in her 95 years, along with surviving the loss of two husbands and both of her children.  Linda and family would like to especially thank the staff of the West WING at Arbutus Park Retirement Manor for the excellent care, compassion and personal friendships they gave to Nina, and to the care and kindness she received from her Aseracare Hospice caregivers.   Family suggests donations be made in her memory to Arbutus Park Manor, 207 Ottawa Street Johnstown, PA 15904 or Aseracare Hospice 1255 Scalp Ave. Johnstown, PA 15904. At her request, there will be no viewing.  A memorial service will be held at Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland on Sunday May 5, 2013, at 2 PM. Pastor Bernard Fortna, officiating. Private interment at the family’s convenience at Chapel Hill Gardens Cemetery in Dade City, Pasco County, Florida. (Online condolences may be posted to www.wharrisfuneralhome.com)