Virginia L. Horning

Virginia L. (Stratton) Horning, 85 formerly of Canton, passed away Tuesday morning, September 14, 2004, in New Philadelphia, following a lengthy illness.Born on April 18, 1919 in Canton, OH, she was the daughter of the late Orville W. and Louise E. (Crane) Stratton. As a young lady, Virginia excelled in tennis and basketball. She was a stellar student athlete at Canton McKinley High School, where she graduated in 1936. Her school yearbook read “Canton’s Helen Wills Moody”. Following graduation, she was honored with the Canton Women’s Tennis Championship title numerous times. Virginia traveled throughout the United States and Canada playing basketball for the “Lee Stockland Tires” and “Studer Sporting Goods” exhibition teams. It came as no surprise to those who knew her when Virginia spearheaded the formation of the Canton Y. M. C. A. Swimming Parents Association in 1954. Virginia’s faith was the center of her life. She was a lifelong member of First Christian Church in Canton, serving as the church’s organist for a period of time. In addition to her church membership, she was a proud and active member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Canton Chapter 190, where she held the position of Worthy Matron on several occasions. Also, she served numerous times as the Worthy High Priestess in the White Shrine of Jerusalem. Throughout her lifetime, she had the privilege of walking hand in hand with her husband of 58 years, the late Harold C. Horning, who preceded her in death in January of 1996. Together, Harold and Virginia raised their two children who survive: Jim Horning of Bath, New York, and Karen S. (Mark) Harriman of New Philadelphia. In addition to her children, Virginia will be greatly missed by her four grandchildren, Staff Sergeant Douglas S. Harriman, who is serving in the United States Air Force in the Middle East, Geoffrey S. (Kim) Harriman and Julie (fiancé, Jeff Rosenberry) Contini, all of New Philadelphia, and Lauren Horning of Wilmington, North Carolina. She was also blessed with four great-grandchildren, Coral Contini, and Jordan, Noah, and Seth Harriman.There are no calling hours or services but friends and relatives are welcome to join Virginia’s family at Mark and Karen Harriman’s residence, 438 N. Broadway, New Philadelphia, on September 16, 2004 anytime after 3:00 p.m. to celebrate her life. Cremation has taken place at the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory in New Philadelphia. A private family inurnment service will be at Forrest Hill Cemetery at a later date.The family requests that memorial contributions be directed to Hospice of Tuscarawas County, Inc. 201 W. 3rd St., Dover, OH 44622, in memory of Virginia.Say a little prayer for our mom, grandma (guy), friend (Ginny), and great-grandma.