Ruth E. Horn (Melenyzer)

Ruth Elaine (Melenyzer) Horn, of Independence, MO passed away peacefully on September 5, 2018, surrounded by her family.
Ruth was born at home October 3, 1929 in Charleroi, PA. She was the first child of Russell and Muriel (Franks) Melenyzer. Ruth graduated from Charleroi High School in 1948 and then attended Graceland College 1948–1950. Upon graduation, she returned home and married William F. Horn on July 15, 1950. Ruth and Bill then continued their education at Penn State University. Ruth graduated in 1952 with a degree in Home Economics and Early Child Development. Ruth and Bill returned to Charleroi where she, after the passing of her mother, helped her father with managing the dairy farm and her 2 younger brothers. While there, Ruth and Bill’s first child, Janice, was born.
In 1954, Bill became a fulltime minister with the Community of Christ Church (RLDS Church). Ruth’s strong faith and servant’s heart made her an ideal partner to assist with the work. For 15 years, they worked hand in hand to serve the Lord in several northeastern states and for 9 years in the Netherlands. The ministry they provided in the Netherlands and other places resulted in relationships that have lasted a lifetime. During the time they worked for the church, Ruth and Bill had two sons, William (Vim) and David.
In 1969, Bill resigned his position with the Church. Ruth returned to school to obtain her elementary teaching certificate so she could support the family while Bill obtained his Ph.D. Ruth taught school for the next 20 years. She taught several grades, but her favorite was “first grade.” Ruth was loved by her students. Her commitment to teaching was an example for her daughter and several granddaughters, all of whom became teachers. Ruth retired from teaching in 1989, and helped take care of two of her grandchildren while Janice earned a nursing degree.
Ruth had a servant’s heart. Whether working at an abused women’s center in Michigan, a thrift store that funded a women’s center in Rogers, AR, or volunteering at the Community Service League in Independence, MO, she always found tangible ways to express the love of Christ that was within her. Ruth continued to serve her Lord in the office of Priest, until her superannuation in 2012. No matter where she and Bill found themselves, their lifelong partnership in doing the Lord’s work found expression, most recently at the Good Shepherd Community of Christ congregation and as members of the Laurel Club. Truly Ruth was, and is a good and faithful servant, and remains an example to her family and all those who had the good fortune of experiencing her love and dedication. She will be missed.
Ruth is preceded in death by her husband William Horn, by granddaughter Jordan Horn, parents Russell and Muriel Melenyzer, in-laws Alfred and Anna Horn, one sister and two brothers. She is survived by daughter Janice Bigham and husband Ken, of Blue Springs, MO; sons William (Vim) Horn and wife Rachel, of Sibley, MO and David Horn of Woodstck, IL; grandchildren Rob and Melanie Finocchio, Rebecca and Chad Hurt, Rick Finocchio, Ammon and Charlotte Horn, Nathan Horn, Rebecca and Ben Reppert, Audrey Horn, Adrienne Horn; 12 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law Edward Horn and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and family friends.
The visitation and Celebration of Life Service are Saturday morning, September 29, 2018 at the Good Shepherd Community of Christ, 4341 Blue Ridge Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri 64133 (816-356-2484). Visitation is from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m., the Celebration Service starting at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution to Outreach International. Website: Outreach-interntional.org.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel 816-373-3600)