Lena Mae Van Horne

Lena Mae Van Horne, age 97, of Vale, NC, went home to be with her Lord and loving husband, Walter Friday, October 3, 2014 at Catawba Valley Medical Center in Hickory. Born July 17, 1917 in Catawba County, she was the daughter of the late Kirby and Mary Shook Lail.

She has been a member of Sardis Lutheran Church since 1959. Lena had previously worked in the furniture industry and retired after 26 years with Southern Furniture. Lena loved to tell a good story and share about growing up at the intersection of Hwy 16 and Springs Road. Lena and Walter married June 8th, 1940 and spent 58 beautiful years together. Walter and Lena found their way to the Vale community in 1959. Farming was their passion. Walter’s home going was January 21, 1998. She loved gardening and crocheting, but her greatest love was the little ones. Lena loved to cook and she enjoyed making everyone feel special with their special meal. The family fondly remembers her coconut cake, pound cake and green beans just to name a few. Sandwich’s made from homemade yeast rolls was always a favorite of all. Ma maw as she was known by her grandchildren affectionately loved time together. Lena was fortunate enough to stay at home until just several months ago. Her family will greatly miss her and all of her wonderful stories.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Walter W. Van Horne; a sister, Nora Keller; and four brothers, Ray, Carl, Roy, and Hubert Lail.

Survivors include two daughters, Edna Fulbright and husband, Benjamin of Vale and Janice Shaffner and husband, Tom of Livingston, TX; a son, Walter Van Horne and wife, Cynthia of Vale; a sister, Edna Davidson of Newton; five grandchildren, Rebecca Wilson, Nick Shaffner, Susan Tischler, David Van Horne, Faith Van Horne, and 5 great grandchildren, Chase Wilson, Brenna Wilson, Nathan Tischler, Cole Tischler and Ryan Tischler.

A service of remembrance will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, October 6, 2014 at Sardis Lutheran Church.

Rev. Anna Merritt will officiate and burial will be in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends, prior to the service, from 1:00 p.m. until 1:45 p.m.

Memorials may be made to Catawba Regional Hospice, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658.

Condolences may be sent to the Van Horne family at www.drumfh-conover.com.

The Van Horne family has entrusted funeral arrangements to Drum Funeral Home & Cremations in Conover.