Wilma Jean (Thompson) VanHorn, age 83, a beloved mother and
grandmother passed away December 5, 2025 at St. Joseph Medical Center in Kansas
City, Missouri, leaving a void her family cannot fill. A visitation will be held from 10:30 am to
11:30 am Friday, December 12, 2025 at Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler
(660-679-0009). Funeral services will
follow at 11:30 am Friday, also at the funeral home. Burial will take place in Fairview Cemetery,
Butler. Memorial contributions may be
made in lieu of flowers, to Fairview Cemetery.
Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.
Jean was born May 27, 1942 in Butler, Missouri to Harold and
Varie Baker Thompson. She grew up in the
Butler area, attending a one room school at Peru Star from first through eighth
grade. Jean thoroughly enjoyed school
and excelled in her studies and grades, earning the title of Valedictorian of
her class upon graduation. She adored
and spoke highly of one particular teacher, Mabel Harris. Jean continued her education at Butler High
School, earning an induction into the National Honor Society and the honor of
being crowned Barnwarming Princess her senior year, and graduating in 1960.
Following graduation Jean went to work for Missouri Western
Gas. Her father would drive her to work
each day, until one morning when Jean informed him, she would not be needing a
ride home after work because she was getting married. On January 5, 1961 Jean was united in
marriage to the love of her life Richard “Pete” VanHorn at the home of Rev.
Blalock. To this union, four children
were born, Dallas, Kelly, Shannon, and Angela.
After starting a
family Jean became a dedicated stay at home mom. The four children, a farm filled with animals
of all kinds, and a large garden in summer kept Jean busy.
In the mid 1980’s
she began driving a school bus. She
loved the daily interactions with all the kids on the bus. Eventually Jean began working for the
Xchanger News Xpress, a job that would turn into a 20-year career and create
many cherished friendships over the years.
After retiring, Jean
enjoyed traveling to see grandkids. Each
of her grandchildren held a special place in her heart. You could always see the extra sparkle in her
eyes that only the grandchildren could bring.
Jean loved nothing more than spending time with each of her grandsons
and of course her great-granddaughter.
She was extremely proud of each of the boys and the men that they have
become.
For many years, Jean
was an active member of the Double Branch Christian Church where she taught
Sunday School, played the piano for worship, and attended Ladies Aid. Jean, along with the rest of the family was
highly involved with Peru Star 4-H Club.
She held numerous positions within the club, including 4-H Club Leader,
as well as the Leader for beef, sheep, swine, goats, and rabbits. Jean enjoyed working with the kids and
animals leading up to, and during the week of the Bates County Fair.
Jean’s legacy is one
of unyielding kindness, generosity, and love.
Her loss is deeply felt by her family and all who knew and loved
her. Her memory will live on and inspire
strength, resilience, and generosity in those whose lives she touched.
Jean was preceded in
death by her parents, Harold and Varie Thompson, her husband Richard “Pete”
VanHorn, and grandson Nathaniel Deems.
She is survived by her loving children, Dallas and Karol VanHorn of
Butler, MO., Kelly and Daniel Deems of Blue Springs, MO., Shannon and Tina
VanHorn of Mexico, MO., and Angela VanHorn of Butler, MO. She also leaves behind her cherished
grandchildren, Corey and Andrea VanHorn, Dalton, Cody, and Grant VanHorn, and a
great-granddaughter, Georgia Mae VanHorn.
