Mrs. M. Irene (Johnson) Hornback

M. Irene Hornback, 92, of Galesburg, died at 9:15 a.m. Wednesday, August 14, 2019 in Heartland Health Care Center.

She was born May 21, 1927, in Woodhull, the daughter of Frank O. and Lillie Alvera (Anderson) Johnson.  She married Martin U. Hornback on March 2, 1949, in Galesburg.  He preceded her in death January 31, 1969.

She is survived by four children, Roger (Paula) Hornback of Lake Shore, Bonnie Zarske of Bettendorf, Iowa, Jerry Hornback of Galesburg, and Susan Peer of Galesburg; 13 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; one brother, George (Sheila) Johnson of O’Fallon; and many nieces and nephews.  In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; a grandson, Nathan Hornback; three brothers, Wendy Johnson, Francis Johnson, and Harold Johnson; and a sister, Ella Marie Long.

She was raised and educated in Viola, where she graduated from Viola High School in 1945.  Irene was head cook at Helen and Meads Nursing Home for over 40 years.  She retired in 1994.  When her children were young, she was a Sunday school teacher.  She had also formerly attended the First Church of the Nazarene.  

Irene enjoyed attending Gordon Behrents Senior Center.  She had a love of gardening and for children.  She was a devoted mother and grandmother.  Irene had a heart of gold and will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

Visitation will be 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, August 17, 2019 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel.  Graveside service will follow at 3 p.m. at Memorial Park Cemetery with Chaplain Ted Shirley officiating.  Memorial contributions may be made to Harbor Light Hospice.  Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.

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