Tammy L. Horne

Although she was taken from her loved ones much too soon, Tammy Horne packed as much living into the days she was given as she could while at the same time bringing such joy to those around her. She was vivacious and fun-loving with a contagious zest for life that was all her own. Blessed to share much of her journey with her true love, they modeled a marriage that most can only dream of as she and her husband were partners, soul mates, and the best of friends. A devoted mother, Tammy cherished her children, and she considered her role as a mother to be her highest calling and her greatest blessing. Life will never be the same without her here, but the priceless collection of memories she leaves behind will be forever cherished by all who were blessed to feel her touch.

The 1960s were a vibrant time in Americas history. Civil rights had been gaining momentum since Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on an Alabama bus during the 1950s, but it was the peaceful efforts of Dr. Martin Luther King during the 1960s that truly brought about change. This was also the same decade in which we elected the young John F. Kennedy as our 35th President of the United States, only to mourn his death just a short time later. It was also during this colorful time that a young couple from Mount Sterling, Kentucky, was pleased to announce the birth of their healthy baby girl on February 26, 1963. Tammy Lynn was one of three children born to her parents, George and Rebecca (Banks) Crump, and she was raised in the family home alongside her brother, Rick and her sister, Melinda. As a young girl she looked forward to sleepovers at her Aunt Bettys and Mamaws house in Kentucky.

In many ways Tammy was a young girl of her generation. She and her family moved to Columbia City, Indiana, when she was only seven, and this became the place she called home for the rest of her life. She was a student at Columbia City Schools, and Tammy was the second baseman on the softball team during middle school. At times she was known to get into a bit of mischief such as the time that she set the house on fire by putting blankets over a light bulb with friends. Tammys high school years found her at Columbia City Joint High School where she was on the pom pom squad and also played the saxophone in the band. After graduating from high school in 1981, Tammy was ready for all that life had in store and attended Indiana Business College.

Not to be forgotten during her years in high school was Tammys introduction to the young man of her dreams. His name was William Horne, and they met while both working at the Burger Chef. When recalling stories from their courtship, Tammy fondly described Bill as someone who, when asking how she was, would actually stay and listen to her answer. They took one picture together at the junior prom, and everyone always said that they would get married one day. Over time the couple fell deeply in love, and everyones predictions came to fruition. With a desire to establish a life together the couple was united in marriage on June 9, 1984, at St Paul of the Cross Catholic Church in Columbia City. Together Tammy and Bill welcomed two daughters, Emily Anne and Abigail Denise, into their hearts and home. Their dog, Dash, was like an additional member of their family.

There was nothing that Tammy loved more than being with her family and friends. As a young child she and her family loved camping in a tent in a campground in Natural Bridge, Kentucky. On the hillside they found a tree limb that they made into a swing and had fun swinging all day. Tammy also loved traveling to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Gatlinburg, Tennessee, as well as a memorable trip to New York City last December during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. There was also the time that they went out on the pontoon boat on Loon Lake when they saw a swan out on the water. It wasnt long after they noticed that they were the only boat out there that they got caught in a downpour. Although Tammy always hated the water, it was such a fun memory that always made her laugh. Her favorite store was Bronners, a Christmas store in Frankenmuth, Michigan, and there was nothing better than wishing everyone a Merry Christmas in July every year. An avid sports fan, Tammy loved cheering on her favorite teams like the Kentucky Wildcats Mens Basketball program while yelling out, C-A-T-S, cats, cats, cats! The Indianapolis Colts were another favorite. Perhaps what was the best, however, was cheering on all her friends and family as they competed in various sports. Tammy was known as Mama Horne to the Ladies Eagles soccer team, often saying, Put it in the back of the onion sack! at soccer games. In everything her family and friends did, Tammy was always their biggest cheerleader.

With her outgoing personality and approachable demeanor, Tammy was a stranger to none and a friend to all. For the past 14 years she was well known as a teller and assistant manager at Weatherhead Federal Credit Union as customers were known to stand in line just to see her smiling face.

All who knew Tammy Horne would agree that there was no one who met her and left unchanged. She has been described as joyful, optimistic, and cheerful with just the right amount of spunk mixed in. Tammy did whatever she could to spread joy to those around her, and she was never seen without a smile. Someone who was positive in all things, she fully embraced both the peaks and valleys along her lifes journey. Those close to her were, and continue to be, inspired by the courage she demonstrated throughout her battle with cancer. She revealed how limited cancer is - it cannot shatter hope, it cannot conquer the spirit, and it cannot stain the legacy of a good soul too soon called back home. Tammy will never be forgotten while her memory is forever cherished.

Tammy Lynn Horne, of Columbia City, died at 5:27 p.m. on Saturday December 6, 2014, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. Tammys family includes her husband, William Bill Horne of Columbia City; daughters, Abigail Denise and Emily Anne Horne; parents, George and Rebecca Crump; brother, Rick (Riza) Crump of Columbia City; sister, Melinda Crump; father and mother-in-law, William and Sheila Horney all of Columbia City; several nieces and nephews also survive. Tammy was preceded in death by paternal grandparents, Amos and Lillie Crump, and maternal grandparents, Charles and Mattie Lou Banks.

Visitation will be on Thursday, December 11, 2014, from 2 to 8 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. A reciting of the rosary will take place at 7:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at10 a.m. on Friday, December 12, 2014, at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church, 315 South Line Street Columbia City. Memorial contributions may be made in Tammys memory to St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church or to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.