Ann Horner

Ann Horner (Nee Fox Holmes) died peacefully in her sleep on February 27, 2025, aged 82. She was preceded in death by her parents, George Fox Holmes & Ruth Ellen Holmes, and her husband Barry Horner. She is survived by her siblings (Ruth, Michael, Joan, and Faith, and their respective spouses), her two granddaughters – Rachael (and her husband, Tim) and Alicia (and her husband, Robb), as well as 7 grandchildren – Emily, Sarah, Kate, Josiah (Megan), Nadine (Michael), Jordan (Brittany) & Jennifer (Martin) and 4 great-grandchildren – Cameron, Sawyer, Mason, & Leo.

Ann was born in Kashmir, India in 1942 while her father, a Lieutenant Colonel in the British military and Christian missionary, was stationed there. She studied in Windsor, England to become an ophthalmological nurse and elder caregiver. It was while she was traveling in Australia on a nursing assignment that she met her husband, Barry. They were married at Walton-on-Thames, England, in 1968. A short time later, they emigrated to Portland, Oregon, so Barry could complete his seminary education and go into pastoral ministry. It was there that Ann's first daughter, Rachael, was born. After a short stint back in Australia after graduation (where her second daughter, Alicia, was born), Ann and Barry returned to the States, where they would spend the next decades establishing and serving in churches around the country. After Barry retired from full time ministry, they settled in Billings, Montana.

Throughout her life, Ann battled mental illness with courage and unrelenting faith in God. When her health rendered her in need of more full-time care, and moved to Billings Rehab and Nursing Home, where she lived happily for the last ten years of her life. She loved the other residents and staff dearly and was dearly loved and cared for by them in return.

Ann was a loyal wife, and a loving mother, grandmother & great grandmother. Most importantly, she was a devoted follower of her Savior, Jesus Christ, to whom she entrusted her life at age 9. She was devoted to bible reading, prayer, and meditating on hymns and other music that glorified God. She also cherished spending time with family and friends, who knew who her as an elegant British lady who savored a good cup of tea. Ann enjoyed knitting, gardening, reading, and especially writing letter to family and friends near and far. She was kind and generous with a sensitive heart towards anyone in need.

We will miss her greatly and we will see her again.