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1961 - 2025
 Kathy Van Horn, 64, of Huntington, passed away Friday, May 16, 2025 after an extended illness.
Kathy is survived by her high school sweetheart and husband of nearly 42 years, John Van Horn, and her children, Kate Van Horn and Jake (Gayla) Van Horn. She is also survived by one brother, Kevin (Carla) Linville; two nieces, Kelly (Bill) Swann and Susan Linville (Gabe Sansom); great-nephews, Will, Eric, and Lee, and a great-niece, Darby. Preceding her in death are her parents, Darnell and Marjorie Linville, and one brother, Keith Linville.
Kathy graduated from Barboursville High School and Marshall University, with a bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation and both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Education.
A beloved and sharp-witted educator and coach, Kathy’s heart for service was evident in her career and community. She supported thousands of students during her three decades in education, including 25 years at Barboursville Middle School, where she taught Science and Social Studies, served as an afterschool tutor, and coached athletes on the co-ed golf, girls’ basketball and girls’ volleyball teams. She also sponsored the Leo Club at BMS.
Always one of the first to volunteer and help out, Kathy counseled merit badges for Boy Scouts of America; served in Delta Kappa Gamma, an international society for women educators; and was an active member of Community of Grace United Methodist Church, which includes her covenant group, the Sisterhood of the Journal.
Kathy’s friends and family may pay respects during a visitation from 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, May 20, at Wallace Funeral Home in Barboursville. An additional visitation hour will be offered Wednesday from 12-1 p.m. The funeral service will begin at 1 p.m., Wednesday, May 21, at Wallace Funeral Home, with the Rev. Steve Hamrick presiding. Burial will follow at White Chapel Memorial Gardens in Barboursville.
In lieu of flowers, Kathy requested gifts be made in her memory to groups she supported: the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation; Huntington City Mission; Community of Grace UMC Local Missions, the bead ministry, or Knit-wits; or just plant a tree.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.timeformemory.com/wallace.
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There are currently 15 condolences.
Lonnie D Keenan
Saturday May 24, 2025 at
11:53 AM
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John and family, I was so sorry to hear about Kathy's passing. As many folks have mentioned, Kathy was one of a kind with a GREAT personality and heart. God Bless each of you.
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Adam Baus
Friday May 23, 2025 at
10:21 PM
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Our most sincere condolences for the loss of your loved one.
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Adam Baus
Friday May 23, 2025 at
6:01 PM
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Dear Van Horn family — Our sincere condolences to Jake and the entire family for the loss of your loved one.
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Allen Kaplan
akbmwz3@email.com
Thursday May 22, 2025 at
6:17 AM
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Kathy was a beloved friend and colleague. Kathy will be missed.
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Michael Pizi
Wednesday May 21, 2025 at
8:13 PM
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John, you probably don’t remember me but I sit next to you in science class at Barboursville high school always had a soft spot in my heart for you and Kathy and I’m incredibly sad to hear about her passing
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Doug Force
Wednesday May 21, 2025 at
9:47 AM
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John, Kate and Jake. I am heartbroken for you guys. Kathy was an amazing woman. I was truly blessed to know her and work beside her all these years. I will always remember her loving heart and wonderful personality and of coarse her way of letting me know when I wasn’t right. She will be sorely missed
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Kathryn Willis Mack
Wednesday May 21, 2025 at
12:22 AM
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Kate and Jake, I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a parent is hard and I pray that God comforts you both and your dad during this time and in the years to come.
I remember your mom as an assistant basketball coach in 7th and 8th grade at BMS. Her passion and love for her players and the game shined through with how she coached! Out of all of the coaches I had during my middle and high school career, she was the best!
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Christa Blake Terry
Tuesday May 20, 2025 at
3:28 PM
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Mrs. Van Horn was a teacher I have never forgotten. She was very honest, straight forward, and loving towards her students . She will be greatly missed.
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Keith P{etrie
Monday May 19, 2025 at
6:48 PM
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John,
Such a beautifully written and accurate tribute to Kathy. As an educator, the number of lives she touched are uncountable. Kathy's legacy will live on, for years to come, through those students she mentored. Please know that I am sending comforting thoughts from afar, as you, Kate, and Jake walk through this difficult time.
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Alecia Legge
Monday May 19, 2025 at
10:29 AM
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My sincere condolences to the family and friends on Kathy's passing. During the school year times that I was around Kathy, she was an inspiration and influenced more lives than she realized, with her wit, compassion, intellect and faith. She leaves an impression on many lives.Thank you Kathy for playing a part in my life's journey. You will be missed and loved.
Through Heaven's gate Kathy walked with our Heavenly Father and His words spoken, well done, well done my good and faithful child.
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Gretna and Gary Watson
Monday May 19, 2025 at
8:35 AM
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So very sorry for your loss. She had a great smile each time we were together. We will continue to think of you and your family at this time .
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Chris Summers
Monday May 19, 2025 at
12:57 AM
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A great person I was fortunate enough to have as a teacher; as tough as she could come across, she genuinely liked kids and people, and had a wonderful heart.
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Vickie Linville
vlinvill@gmail.com
Sunday May 18, 2025 at
10:37 PM
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So sorry to hear about Kathy passing; I’ve worried about and prayed for her since I learned of her illness. I enjoyed my time working with her. She loved her job and showed that to her students everyday. We used to have idea collaborations and her ideas for teaching science were always motivating.
My condolences and prayers for her family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors. She was truly one-of-a-kind.
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Sarah Chapman
Sunday May 18, 2025 at
9:55 PM
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I am praying for condolences and sending love to you guys. Kathy was not only my teacher but also my colleague. She was a wonderful person and mentor. Her impact on students in this area will continue for many, many years.
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Michael Harris
Sunday May 18, 2025 at
8:18 PM
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Oh no, I am so sorry John. I cannot even count the number of Student Center breakfasts we had together at Marshall. They were some of the best times of my life.
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