Ethel Lou Horn's Obituary
Ethel "Louise" Horn, lovingly known as Lou, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2025, at the age of 91, with her family by her side. Born at home on February 12, 1934, in St. Petersburg, Florida, Lou lived a life rooted in faith, generosity, and deep love for others.
She was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 50 years, Charles A. Horn; her stepson, Richard Horn; and her parents and brothers.
Above all else, Lou was family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who made everyone feel welcome. If you met her, you were family — and before long, you were probably calling her “Mom” or “Nana,” even if you met her in a doctor’s office.
She is survived by her five children: Kenny Alderman (Michelle), Steve Alderman, Kathy Mitcheson (George), Margie Duval, and Barbie Wade.
She is also survived by her grandchildren: Kim, Misty (Greg), J.R. (Jenni), Amber (Joshua), Brittany (Travis), Andrew (Keely), Jenna, Benjamin, Marcus, Matthew, Cache, Chloe (Lawton), Ciara, and Benny III.
Her great-grandchildren include Mackenzie, Autumn, McCoy, Brooks, Campbell, Everett, Reed, Andrew, Darlene, Delilah, Alisia, Harley , Kaizier, Kalessiand**** Bella Lou.
Lou is also survived by was survived by her Sisters in Love-Mary Jo Kelso and Joyce Hall, many nieces and nephews, many friends and her dear friend, Nina Bull.
Lou loved attending Mass, painting china, collecting antiques, participating in antique shows, and spending time with friends and family. She especially cherished family reunions and for many years lovingly organized the annual Kelso–Alderman Family Reunion, bringing generations together.
Her Catholic faith was the foundation of her life. Baptized at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in downtown St. Petersburg and educated at St. Paul’s Catholic School, Lou lived her faith daily through service. She remained active in parishes throughout the Diocese of St. Petersburg and faithfully served as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, bringing comfort, companionship, and the Eucharist to many homebound parishioners.
Lou lived by the Golden Rule and believed in giving more than was expected. Even when she had little, she always found something to give. She believed that if everyone gave at least 60%, it would amount to 120% well over the top. One of her favorite sayings was, “Why can’t we all just get along?” It was a question she answered every day through kindness.
A Funeral Mass will be held on January 10, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 4661 82nd Avenue North, Pinellas Park, Florida, followed by a reception in the Parish Center. All who loved Lou are warmly invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to His Heart Society of Sacred Heart, the church’s food pantry — a cause close to Lou’s heart.
What’s your fondest memory of Ethel?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ethel?
Share a story where Ethel's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ethel you’ll never forget.
How did Ethel make you smile?
