Doretha 'Doretha (Howerton) Van Horn' Van Horn

On September 19, 2012, after a brief illness, Doretha (Howerton) Van Horn, 99, died peacefully, surrounded by her family. She was born April 29, 1913, to Roy N. and Lusina (Curl) Howerton in Carl Junction, MO. Her family later moved to Baxter Springs, KS, where she graduated from high school. She attended Central State Teachers College (now UCO) in Edmond, OK. On August 25, 1934, she married Lawrence V. Van Horn, her high school sweetheart. She was employed by the US Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C. and later by a CPA upon returning to Oklahoma City. She was a member of the First Christian Church of OKC for more than half a century. She also belonged to the Oklahoma Art League, Red Bud Women's Club, Ladies Music Club, Town Hall Colleagues, English Speaking Union, Civic Music Association, Bookmark Club, Uptown Kiwanis Club, Oklahoma Golf and Country Club, and Listeners Club. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband of 69 years, Lawrence, one sister, Oleita Moyers, a great granddaughter, Emily, a great-niece, Joyce Jo, and a primary caregiver, Mary Boutin. She is survived by her three sons, Brooke and wife Bobbye, Grayson and wife Jan, and Reece and wife Jeanne Anne. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, Todd Van Horn and wife Lynda, Tracey Fantasia and husband Ben, Stephanie Van Horn, Travis Van Horn and wife Stephanie, Gavin Van Horn and wife Marcy, Derek Van Horn and wife Heather, Mallory Van Horn and Jonna Geitgey, and Meridith Ford and husband Darren. She has nine living great grandchildren, Elizabeth Van Horn, Hannah Van Horn, Reece Mallory Ford, Paxton Ford, Larsen Van Horn, Katelyn Van Horn, Hawkins Van Horn, Cassidy Van Horn, and Darian Van Horn. She is also survived by a niece, Joan Faught and a great niece and namesake, Dree Anna. The family expresses special thanks to her caregivers and companions, LaTonya Harris, Kim Smith, Evelyn Lewis, Vanessa Casey and Maria Dawson. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Christian Church Choir, 3601 N. Walker, Oklahoma City or the a charity of the donor's choice. She lived life to the fullest for almost a century, and she will be greatly missed by her family and all who knew her. Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 22, 2012, at 11 a.m. at First Christian Church. Burial will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.