Grace I. (Miller) Horton, 85, a resident of the Wynwood Assisted Living in Boalsburg and formerly from Lewistown, PA, died Thursday, August 26, 2021, at Wynwood House, surrounded by her family.
Grace was born November 24, 1935, in Lewistown. She was a daughter of the late Edward Raymo and Olive Rachael (Hockenberry) Miller. She was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin Eugene Horton whom she married in March 1954; a grandson, Thad Christopher Russell; and sister, Nancy Jane Clark.
Grace is survived by her three children, Melinda Jean Cavagnaro (Ernie) of Aberdeen, NJ, Nancele Grace Horton (Jack Williams) of State College, PA, and Bradley Douglas Horton (Dorrial) of Jefferson, MD; six grandchildren, Matthew N. Russell, Hillary A. Green, Suzanne E. Murray, Jason A. Cavagnaro, Beth Ann Cavagnaro, Zachariah E. Horton; and four great grandchildren, Kaija J. Green, Dresyn W. Green, Jashaun W. Green, and Mia S. Green. She is also survived by her sister Mary Lou Shortess (George) of Bethlehem, PA.
Grace worked at homemaking and as a mother of three in her early adult years. Along the way she
was employed as a law secretary, department store clerk, and retired after working many years in the Lewistown Hospital Business Office assisting patients and their families to negotiate health insurance concerns.
Grace enjoyed attending her grandchildrens’ school events and performances as well as attending musical performances with her sister, Mary Lou. She also loved words and learning, liked taking college courses, reading and collecting books, especially novels, histories, biographies, and dictionaries. She was interested in people; she loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren deeply. She loved interacting with people while not afraid to speak her mind, ask questions, laugh, and make jokes. She was one who met life with humor and enjoyed laughing until weeks prior to her death. She left her family with the life lessons that forgiveness and personal growth are never ending.
Grace liked taking road trips with her husband, Melvin, eating out, tipping well, and being a friend and favorite among the staff at the West College Avenue Waffle Shop and other local eateries in Centre, Mifflin, and Juniata counties. Her hobbies included cross-stitch, Scherenschnitte paper cutting, and colored pencil in coloring books. Her precise hands produced beautiful art which she gave as gifts to her children, family, and friends. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Following Grace’s wishes, all services will be private at the discretion of the family. She will be laid to rest next to her husband at the Mount Rock Cemetery in Lewistown.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Grace’s memory may be made to: The Good Day Café in State College, make checks payable to The SFI Foundation and mail it to Strawberry Fields, 3054 Enterprise Drive, State College, PA 16801, write Good Day Café in the memo part; The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA), 375 Kings Highway North, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034; or The Alzheimer’s Association, Governor’s Plaza South, Bldg 2, 2001 N Front St., Ste 321, Harrisburg, PA 17102.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, Inc 228 S. Pennsylvania Ave. #579 Centre Hall, PA 16828. An online guest book can be signed or condolences to the family available at www.daughenbaughfuneralhome.com.