Dora Horton

Dora Agnes DeShong Horton, age 90, of Carnoustie Dr., Chambersburg, PA, passed away on Sunday, April 17, 2016, at her great-nephew’s home in Chambersburg. Born March 5, 1926, in McConnellsburg, PA, she was the daughter of the late Russell A. and Katharine Oakman DeShong.
A 1944 graduate of Greenhill High School, in Fulton County, Mrs. Horton went on to graduate in 1948 from Shippensburg University with a Bachelor Degree. Mrs. Horton taught school in Fulton County for seven years in Needmore and Fort Littleton Elementary Schools. After her marriage to her husband, they moved to Bedford County, where she taught in the Bedford School District for 29 years in Snake Spring Elementary School. She was a life member of Bedford County Retired Public School Employees Association and the Pennsylvania Retired Public Employees Association. She became a member of the board of the Bedford County Library in 1977. On December 3, 1977, she was initiated by Alpha Beta Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, where she was entitled to all the honors and privileges of membership in the society. She was a member of the Asbury Methodist Church for years and during that time, she taught adult Sunday school and sang in the choir. In later years, she joined the Zion Lutheran Church, Everett, PA and spent her marriage years, a Lutheran. Mrs. Horton enjoyed traveling, especially to Hawaii, Austria, and Alaska; quilting; knitting; and crocheting. Her passion was teaching, where she dedicated 36 years, teaching 4th and 6th grade in Bedford County, PA.
Surviving are her two sisters, Delores “Honey” Henry of Chambersburg, PA and Donna Garlock (husband Robert) of McConnellsburg, PA; nieces, Anne K. Corwell (husband Brian J.) of Chambersburg, PA, Carol Mearkle (husband Donnie) of Everett, PA, and Cindy Clark (husband Rex) of Cornwall, PA; her nephews, Robert T. Henry, Jr. (wife Verda J.) of Mercersburg, PA, Dennis H. Ritchey (wife Nancy) of McConnellsburg, PA, Barry Ford (wife Linda) of Phoenix, AZ, James Ford (Judy Ford) of Orrtanna, PA, Andrew Ford (wife Tonya) of Orrtanna, PA, and Gregory Mearkle of Everett, PA; a niece-in-law, Terry Mearkle (wife of the late Richard Mearkle) of Everett, PA; great-nieces, Jessica Mearkle, Kelsey Mearkle, Kerrigan Clark, Nicole Graham (husband Allan), Penny Ramsey (husband Tony) and Megan Geisert (husband William); great-nephews, Timothy Price and his wife Cassandra, who took care of Aunt Dora since her illness in 2013; Kevin Price (wife Summer), Justin Mearkle, Kyle Mearkle, and Nate Clark. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Maynard P. Horton on October 1, 2003, whom she married on April 15, 1954, at the Shippensburg Memorial Lutheran Church by the Rev. John Samuel. She was also preceded in death by her twin sister, Doris Elizabeth Ford and brothers-in-law, Clair Ford, Robert T. Henry, Sr., and William Mearkle.
Graveside services will be held on Friday, April 22, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at the Everett Cemetery, Everett, PA, where Pastor Judith Simonson will officiate. Arrangements are entrusted to the Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Chambersburg, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in her name to SpiriTrust Lutheran Home Care and Hospice, 2700 Luther Drive, Chambersburg, PA 17202.