Ethel Marie Hutchens Horn, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt,
passed away peacefully on June 7, 2025, at the age of 96. She was born on March 17,1929, in Waldron, Arkansas. Ethel was a godly woman who loved the Lord and her family and set an example for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren that will lead them all of their lives.
Ethel was born in Waldron, Arkansas on March 17, 1929, to the late Lewis Stanley Hutchens and Bessie Isabell Self Hutchens. She was married for 67 years to the late Wayne Marion Horn. Ethel lived in Waldron and Scott County all of her life before moving to Edmond, Oklahoma in 2016.
Ethel was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne, in 2016, her parents, her siblings Lester (Callie) Hutchens, Frank (Willene) Hutchens, Floyd Hutchens, Alta Pearl Hutchens, her half-siblings Lora (Vestal) Williams, Leonard (Thelma) Hutchens, Elsie (Orval) Glass, Ruth Taylor and two grandchildren Wesley Horn and Kimberly Taff. She is survived by her children Ruth (Gary) Karraker, Mike (Luann) Horn, Philip (Leigh) Horn, and Trish Horn (Roger Farrell). She is survived by her grandchildren Lincoln Karraker, Eric (Lora) Karraker, Heath (Lacey) Horn, Tanner (Abby) Horn, Sam (Megan) Horn, Nathanael Horn, Evan Horn, Kurstin Thomas, Lily (Bryce) Gfeller, great-grandchildren Eli, Oliver, Barrett, Judge, Navy, Halle and step-grandchildren Cameron, Carrie and Collin Farrell. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Vetra Hutchens and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Ethel loved her Savior, the Lord Jesus, with all her heart, and she loved God’s Word.Though she was a humble, gentle woman, Ethel was a powerful prayer warrior and servant for Christ. Only heaven knows what a wonderful and eternal impact her many years of faithful living, witnessing and prayer have had on her family, her friends and those she met.
Ethel was known for her strong work ethic as well as her kindness, generosity and strength. She was an excellent student in school, graduating valedictorian of her 1946 graduating class at Waldron High School. She was an active member of the Waldron Nazarene Church, joining at an early age. She loved children and served in the church nursery, bringing along the next generation. In her working career, she held positions at the Bank of Waldron and Waldron Public Schools, and retired in 1991 as the Treasurer of Waldron Public Schools. To her family, no one could out-sew, out-cook, out-garden or out-work her with her talented and relentless determination.
Ethel was a special mom, grandmother, great-grandmother. She took a positive approach to life’s deepest challenges and guided her children in love. She supported them in their endeavors and encouraged them that anything was possible with God by their side. She truly exemplified what unconditional love was and what the power of God’s grace could accomplish. Her legacy is woven into the very fabric of their lives. Through her work, her laughter, and her love, she remains with us in countless ways, each a reminder of the full, beautiful life she led. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on in every place and person she touched.
The family would like to extend special appreciation to the caring staff at Tealridge Memory Care and Trinity Hospice for their compassion and loving care.
A celebration of Ethel’s life will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 26, 2025 at the Waldron First Church of the Nazarene in Waldron, Arkansas. The family will receive friends and family following the service in the reception hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Ethel’s home church, Waldron First Church of the Nazarene,1816 Rice St, Waldron, AR 72958.
