Cory’s life was marked by steadfast devotion to family and friends and a fun-loving, kind-hearted spirit that made others feel welcome and cared for. With a hard-working determination and a warm sense of humor, Cory brought steadiness to the everyday moments and lightness to the ones that needed it most.
Raised in Farwell, Michigan, Cory went on to nurture a growing family through years of change and movement, as the family lived in Michigan, Ohio, Texas, and Louisiana. In marriage, Cory shared nearly forty years with Gerald (Jerry) Walter Cieslinski (deceased), building a life rooted in loyalty, love, and deep commitment.
Following Jerry’s retirement, they settled in Bentwater on Lake Conroe, Texas, where Cory lived for over 30 years. Those years were filled with time on the golf course, boating, pool days, and bridge shared with family and friends. Cory especially loved dancing, playing cards, and traveling. Known as “Bushi” to 10 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, Cory adored them completely and remained a beloved center of family life.
Cory is survived by her children, Sandi Kay Ballew of Swansboro, NC; Nadine Kay Mathis of Grosse Pointe Farms, MI; Colleen Kay Frazier and husband Scott Frazier of Denham Springs, LA; Kimberly Kay Rainey and husband Keith Rainey of Murfreesboro, TN; and Gerald Benjamin Cieslinski of Doha, Qatar. Grandchildren include: Haley Cieslinski, Russell Ballew, Jeffrey Mathis, Phillip Mathis, Hannah Frazier, Brett Frazier, Kathryn Rainey, Kelsey Rainey, Kyle Rainey, and Kaden Rainey. Great-grandchildren include: Sonny Cieslinski, Barrett Jackson, Annabeth Stephens, Harrison Mathis, and Lillian Frazier. Cory is also survived by sisters Jan Luptowski, Sister Maria (Pauline) Cieslinski, M.S.T.B., brother Rick Cooper, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends.
Cory was preceded in death by her father George Battese Horning; mother Juanita Patricia Leonard; husband Gerald (Jerry) Walter Cieslinski; son-in-law Shelton Ballew; sisters Carrie Hall, Nancy Banules, Pat Cooper, Pam DeGeer; and brother Al Horning.
The family extends special thanks to Cory’s best friend Candace for the love, laughs, tee shots, and shenanigans shared over the past 30 years, and to Sonny Hubbard for making his “sweet girl’s” last years filled with fun trips, memories, hugs, and always a smile.
Visitation will be held at Cashner Funeral Home, 801 Teas Road, Conroe, TX 77303, US, on October 15, 2026, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am. A Funeral Service will follow at Cashner Funeral Home on October 15, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. A Committal Service will be held at Garden Park Cemetery, 801 Teas Rd, Conroe, TX 77303, US, on October 15, 2026, from 11:00 am to 11:30 am, with a reception to follow. Cory’s final resting place will be Garden Park Cemetery, 801 Teas Rd, Conroe.
Pallbearers will be Jeffrey Mathis, Phillip Mathis, Brett Frazier, Kyle Rainey, Kaden Rainey, and Ryan Jackson.
