Mary Lee Horning

Mary Lee (Illges) Horning (94) drifted from this worldly life on Saturday evening, September 12, 2026. Mary Lee was born March 17, 1932 in Hamilton County to Harry and Cecil (Sturdevant) Illges. 

On September 3, 1949 she married the handsome Army man, Ivan G. Horning. Mary Lee would tell you that she was "just" a farmer's wife, but her story is larger than that. 

Mary Lee loved her family tremendously and they loved her. She taught her family how to play a small keyboard and how to roar with laughter. Mary Lee had an appreciation for sweets, microwave fudge, and church hymns. She was a member of Beall's Chapel United Methodist church and hardly missed contributing to the delicious chicken noodle dinner. Mary Lee would want you all to know that writing and mailing letters or cards is important and that you should always wash your feet before bed. 

Mary Lee is survived by her four children Vicky (late Charles) Schroeder of Elwood, Michael Horning of Lapel, Susan Gray of Lapel, & Gerald (Susan) Horning of Elwood; nine grandchildren Angela DeVaney of Florida, Christina (Scott) Manis of Anderson, Mike (Tara) Horning of Cicero, Kirtis (Ashley) Horning of Lapel, Kasey (Eric) Biddle of Cicero, Randi (Matthew) Doerr of Anderson, Alex (Sierra) Shuck of Anderson, Andrew (Sara) Horning of Lapel, & Adrienne (JP) of Anderson; twenty-two great grandchildren; and seven great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband; two brothers, Walter Illges and Robert Illges; four sisters, Evelyn Smith, Bessi Pritch, June Whitacre and Clara Stout; and one great-grandson.

A special thanks to Elwood Health & Living and Guardian Angel hospice for the care they gave to Mary. 

A funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Bozell Funeral Homes and Crematory, Lapel Chapel, 1010 North Main Street, Lapel, Indiana 46051 with Pastor Aaron Hogue officiating. Mary's ashes will be scattered at Brookside Cemetery in Lapel at a later date.

Visitation will be from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Thursday at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be shared at www.bozellfuneralhome.com.