Minerva Horn

Minerva “Minnie” Pena Horn gained her angel wings on Thursday, April 1, 2021 in Lake Jackson, Texas at the age of 76.

Minnie was born on June 9, 1944 in Monterrey, Mexico to Raymundo and Inez Pena. Her family immigrated to the United States in 1952 when she was 8 years old. They settled in Freeport, Texas, and she and her family were life-long residents of the Brazosport area. She graduated from Brazosport High School in 1962. During her young adult years, she worked at Russell’s Café in Freeport, then Intermedics in Angleton for several years before getting hired by Dow Chemical; she worked at Dow in the Mail Room / Sample Shipping department for 25 years before retiring in 2005.

Minnie, or “Mamoo” as she was affectionately known by her grandkids, will always be remembered for her vibrant personality and spunk. Always the life of the party, she danced to her own beat and played by her own rules. She was devoted to her family and friends and could always be counted on to help anyone in need. She had boundless energy and was always on the go - shopping with her daughters and grandkids, dining out with family and friends, taking care of her grandkids, RV camping with her husband, Skip Dohle and their crew of friends. She would slow down long enough to watch movies on Netflix, read the latest Danielle Steele book or pour her love into the amazing meals she would whip up for her family, usually without a recipe, using whatever random ingredients she found in her kitchen. No one ever left her house hungry. If there was a party, you could guarantee she would be there, usually showing up with a car full of food she made for the occasion, and then ready to dance the night away (and shake what her mama gave her!) Everything about her was colorful, from her language and distinctive laugh to her outfits and accessories, always so stylish and coordinated with her long red nails, rings on every finger (and several toes!), big, bold earrings and large purses (the bigger the better!). She was a unique spirit and unforgettable individual who loved fiercely and cared deeply, leaving a lasting impression with everyone she met. She will be tremendously missed by everyone who was blessed enough to know and love her.

Minnie is survived by her daughters Cindy Santos and Sandy Delgado, sons-in-law Juan “Bob” Santos and Dave Santos; sister Hortensia “Tencha” Hernandez and brother-in-law Julio “Jay” Hernandez, Jr.; sister Juanita “Janie” Rhodes; sister Alicia “Alice” Pena; brother Raymond Pena, Jr. and sister-in-law Liane Pena; grandchildren David Delgado, Jr., Stephany Delgado, Brandon Delgado, Samantha Santos, Vincent Pena, Erik Santos, Jon Santos, Brianna Martindale and Bryce Martindale; niece Monica Rhodes; 20 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren; and countless nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She is preceded in death by her daughter Belinda Martindale; husband Arlan “Skip” Dohle; great-grandson Ayden Lopez; father Raymundo Pena; mother Inez Gonzales Pena and brother-in-law Dan C. Rhodes.

The family would like to thank all the nurses and doctors in the COVID ICU unit at CHI St. Luke’s Brazosport Hospital, including Dr. Roland Prezas, Dr. Mohammad Khan, nurse Laurie Mills, as well as Respiratory Therapist and family friend Niki McKinney Priddy, for the care and support they provided Minnie and her family during her final days. When her family couldn’t be by her side because of COVID restrictions, these caring individuals stepped in and did everything they could to help her get well and ensure she felt loved and wasn’t alone. Special thanks are also extended to Minnie’s incredible next-door neighbor and dear friend Rhonda Seth for all her support and guidance throughout the years.

A rosary service will be held on Saturday, April 17 from 5 – 7 pm at Restwood Funeral Home & Memorial Park in Clute, TX. A “Celebration of Life” memorial service will be held at Quintana Beach County Park in the Stephen F. Austin Pavilion on Sunday, April 18 from 12 – 3 pm. The family requests that social distancing be observed and masks be worn. Arrangements are being handled by Restwood Funeral Home & Memorial Park in Clute, TX.