Judy Horne

Judy Horne, 80, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2026, at her daughter's home in Thompson, North Dakota, surrounded by the love of her family.

Judy was born on August 21, 1946, to Ellsworth Robinson and Jeanette Thoreson. She was raised in Valley City, North Dakota, by Al and Jean Trader and graduated from Valley City High School in 1964. Following graduation, Judy proudly served her country in the United States Air Force from 1964 to 1965.

In 1965, Judy married the love of her life, Wendell Horne. Together, they shared 46 years of marriage and built a beautiful life filled with family, adventure, and many places they were fortunate to call home. Together they raised their three children, Johnny Horne (Donna Horne), Jason Horne (Glenda Horne), and Wendy Ackerman (Donny Ackerman).

Judy continued her education and became an LPN and later an RN, beginning a long and meaningful career devoted to caring for others. Judy and her family lived in Shreveport, Louisiana, where she worked as a nurse. In 1985, they moved to Grand Forks, North Dakota, where Judy worked as a critical care nurse. During her time at United Hospital, Judy helped open the hospital's immunotherapy department.

In 1991, Judy and Wendell began another adventure together when they moved to Fairbanks, Alaska. There, Judy served as Director of Cardiac Rehabilitation. Judy and Wendell loved their life in Alaska and treasured the memories and friendships they made there.

In 1997, they returned to Grand Forks for a brief period before eventually making their way to Camdenton, Missouri. Judy continued her passion for cardiac care, helping open multiple cardiac facilities throughout her career.

Judy and Wendell spent their retirement years at the Lake of the Ozarks, a place they truly loved and were proud to call home. They enjoyed fishing, spending time on the lake, traveling, visiting with family and friends, and making memories with their grandchildren.

Judy was a beautiful, big-hearted woman who spent her life caring for others. Her compassion was evident throughout her nursing career, and her patients loved her. Outside of nursing, Judy enjoyed traveling, cross-stitching, reading her Bible, and spending time with the people she loved.

Of all the titles Judy held throughout her life, being a grandmother and great-grandmother was among her most treasured. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were truly the highlight of her life. She cherished every opportunity to spend time with them, watch them grow, and make memories together.

Judy's grandchildren are Lexi Little (Grant Little), Madi Horne, Nicholas Horne (Jackson Rabedeaux), Samantha Reynolds (Brian Reynolds), Zach Ackerman (Sydnee Ackerman), Hannah Ackerman, and Adam Ackerman (Izzy Settle). Her great-grandchildren are Barrett Little, Joanna Little, Lylah Ackerman, Louise Ackerman, and Leo Ackerman.

Judy is survived by her son, Jason Horne (Glenda Horne); daughter, Wendy Ackerman (Donny Ackerman); daughter-in-law, Donna Horne; sister, Cindy Siegel (Tim Siegel); brother, Terry Trader (Judy Trader); sister-in-law, Sandy Trader; brothers-in-law, Freddie Horne (Sharon Horne), Jimmy Hogue and Gene Klinger; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; one aunt, Phyllis Storhoff; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Judy was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 46 years, Wendell Horne; her son, Johnny Horne; her parents, Ellsworth Robinson and Jeanette Trader; her stepfather, Al Trader, Sr.; her siblings, Jimmy Robinson, Al Trader, Jr., Linda Klinger, Becky Strum and Linda-Galye Hogue; and her brother-in-law, Brian Strum.

Judy lived a life of service, love, and devotion to others. Through her many years as a nurse, she touched the lives of countless patients and families, but her own family was always at the center of her heart. From North Dakota to Louisiana, Alaska, and Missouri, Judy built a lifetime of memories wherever life took her. Her beautiful heart, love for her family, and the care she showed others will live on through everyone fortunate enough to have known and loved her.

Funeral services will be held Monday, September 28, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Valley City, North Dakota. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will follow the service. Burial will take place at Oriska Cemetery, where Judy will be laid to rest beside her husband, Wendell.

Memorials and flowers may be sent to Lerud Mathias Funeral Home in Valley City, North Dakota.