Patricia A. (Murray) Horton

Patricia A. Horton, 64, of Clarion passed away Sunday, April 7, 2013 at Mercy Medical Center – North Iowa in Mason City.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Patricia Horton will be held on Friday, April 12, 2013 at 10:00 AM at St. John’s Catholic Church, 608 2nd Avenue North East, in Clarion with Reverend Nils Hernandez officiating.  Burial will take place at the Iowa Veteran’s Cemetery in Van Meter at a later date.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 11, 2013 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Ewing Funeral Home, 1801 Central Avenue East, in Clarion with a scriptural wake service beginning at 7:00 PM.

Patricia Ann (Murray) Horton was born February 17, 1949 in New Hampton to James and Florine (Nosbich) Murray.  She attended Catholic school through the 8th grade before graduating from Turkey Valley High School in 1967.

Following high school, Patricia attended the University of Northern Iowa where she graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in elementary education.  She later earned her Master’s degree in special education from Morningside College in Sioux City alongside raising four children.

Patricia began her teaching career in Burt, where she spent two years prior to another two years in Eagle Grove.  After receiving her advanced degree, she taught special education in the Britt school system until her retirement in May of 2012.

Patricia was united in marriage to Gary Horton on June 30, 1972 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Lawler.  Her family was incredibly important to her.  She especially loved spending time with her three grandchildren and taking family vacations each year.

Patricia was an active member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Clarion where she was a member of the Mom’s group and attended bible study.  She also loved to read and enjoyed attending book club at the library, going for walks with the dog, and jazzercise.  Patricia was also a member of the AAUW.

Patricia is survived by her husband Gary of Clarion; children Laura (Shaun) Hogle and their daughters Grace and Emma of Pleasant Hill, Jennifer (Keith) Golly and their daughter Claire of Altoona, Kari Horton of North Liberty and David (Hanna Lunde) Horton of Oceanside, California; her sister Donna Murray of Perry and numerous other family members and friends.

Patricia was preceded in death by her parents.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Domestic/Sexual Assault Outreach Center in Fort Dodge.