Donna Joan Horner, known to family and friends as Joan, 90, passed away, October 23, 2026, at Oak Lane Nursing Home in Stronghurst, IL. She was born April 16, 1936, to the late Frank and Ila (Brandt) Apt in La Harpe, IL.
She attended the La Harpe schools and graduated from La Harpe High School in 1954. Joan then attended Gem City Business School in Quincy, IL.
Joan married Eldon R. Horner on February 4, 1956, in Terre Haute, IL. They lived in the La Harpe area until moving to Monmouth, IL, to raise their family. There, Joan worked at Monmouth College in the Registrar’s Office and then as a medical transcriber at Monmouth Community Memorial Hospital. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Monmouth.
Joan is survived by her children Peggy (Mark) Irey of Corona, CA, Kevin (Iva) Horner of Rocky Mount, NC, and Chris (Kimberly) Horner of Birmingham AL, eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings, Richard Apt, Charles Apt, and Judith Mueller, all of La Harpe, IL, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Eldon; two infant daughters, Linda Kay and Laurie Ann Horner; and her sister Helen Rodefer.
Graveside services will be 10:30 am, Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Warren County Memorial Park Cemetery, Monmouth. After the service, there will be a luncheon at the First United Methodist Church, Monmouth. Memorials may be given to the Henderson County Retirement Center and sent to the funeral home. McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL is in charge of the arrangements.
