Janette Kay Horn

Janette Kay Horn was born on September 30, 1945, to Paul and Ruby Bottom. She grew up on a farm south of Hydro, Oklahoma, and after graduating from Hydro High School in 1963, she attended SWOSU.

Many of Janette's favorite childhood memories were made alongside her dad, helping him on the farm. She always said she was her dad's "boy," and she was proud of it. They shared a special bond and a love for basketball that stayed with her throughout her life and later carried into her own family, as she spent years coaching and cheering on her children and grandchildren.

Hydro remained an important part of Janette's life long after her childhood. She especially loved the Hydro Fair, attending it as a child and continuing the tradition throughout her adult life. It remained a meaningful hometown tradition for her.

Janette experienced the loss of both of her parents in her early 30's. Those losses made the family relationships around her especially meaningful. She shared a deep bond with her grandmother, Jenny Luekenga, who held a special place in her heart.

Her uncle and aunt, Loy and Grace Luekenga, also became an important part of her life. After the loss of her parents, they stepped into a loving, supportive role. Janette thought the world of them, and their care and sense of family stayed with her always.

Janette was an only child, but she did not go through life without sisters. She shared a close bond with her cousins Karen Epperly, Sandra Dickerson, and Cheryl Wilkes, who were as close to sisters as she had. She loved them dearly.

As Janette built a family of her own, much of her life continued to revolve around children. She spent many years as a stay-at-home mom, pouring her time into raising her family. She also served as a Boy Scout leader, Girl Scout leader, 4-H leader, basketball coach, and anything else needed for her kids and the children around her. If there was something to be involved in, Janette was usually in the middle of it.

That same love for children and community led Janette to Hydro Public Schools, where she worked in several roles, including managing the cafeteria and later working as a teacher. She loved being part of the school and community, and she was loved by many students, families, and coworkers.

But there was much more to Janette than what she did. Anyone who knew her knew there was rarely a dull moment when she was around. She was always busy, always involved, and never met a stranger. She could talk your ear off, and before a conversation ended, she had usually shared a story or two that was funny, unexpected, or hard to believe. Somehow, Janette's life was full of stories worth telling.

She also enjoyed the simple things. A Sonic run for a Cherry Coke was always a favorite. Sometimes a Cherry Coke and somewhere to go were all she needed.

Then there was Ghost Mound. Janette loved Ghost Mound and the memories tied to it. She passed that love on to her children and grandchildren, making sure another generation knew there was always a reason to load up and go. Some family traditions don't need explanation.

She always had the pedal to the metal in the blue van.

That humor is exactly how those who knew her best will remember her. Laughter was part of who she was, and she had a way of bringing joy into everyday life. There are countless memories of her that will continue to make her loved ones smile.

Through all the stories, laughter, and activity, family remained at the center of Janette's life. She knew both deep joy and heartbreaking loss. Her daughter, Paula Kay, passed away as an infant, and her son, Marlin Joe, passed away at just 13 years old. Their lives remained an important part of her heart and story.

Janette is survived by her children, Jimmy Horn and wife Karen; Mary Adams and husband Randy; Jason Horn and wife Amber. Jennifer Waite and husband Brady; Dalaina Horn and her forever boyfriend, Billy Rackley; Kayla Hindman and husband Mark; and Whitney McKinley and husband Trent.

She also shared a special bond with many nieces and nephews. Though they came into her life through marriage, they became family in every sense of the word. She loved them deeply, and those relationships remained important throughout her life.

One of Janette's greatest joys was watching her family grow. Her grandchildren include Weston and Tru Horn, Kindrey Gaisford, Cree and Cazz Waite, Amaris Horn, Avery Rackley, Kaegen and Kynlee Stone, Treven, Ryder, and Laynie McKinley , Hannah Hindman, Justin, Kyle, and Cade Adams, Krystal Harrell, Daisha Crowder, along with numerous great-grandchildren who brought even more love, laughter, and life to her family.

During the last two years of her life, Janette lived in Canadian, Texas. Though a short chapter, it was meaningful. She was deeply touched by the kindness and friendship shown to her there, and she built new relationships that meant a great deal to her.

Janette was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Ruby Bottom; her grandparents and great-grandparents; her infant daughter, Paula Kay; and her son, Marlin Joe.

Janette will be remembered for being unmistakably herself-outgoing, funny, giving, involved, and always ready with a story. She filled her life with family, children, community, basketball, traditions, Cherry Cokes, conversation, laughter, and adventure.

Those who loved her will have many stories of their own to tell for years to come.