Donna J. Horne's Obituary
Donna J. Horne, of Fayetteville, Arkansas passed away on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at the age of 88. She is survived by her husband of sixty-eight years, Charles (Chuck) L. Horne Jr. and three sons, Charles (Tripp) L. Horne III (Ellen) of Annandale, Virginia; Tracy J. Horne (Allison) of Little Rock, Arkansas and John M. Horne (Candace) of Fayetteville, Arkansas. She is also survived by four beloved grandchildren, Charles IV (Jennifer), Claire Marie, Conner M, and Christopher S Horne. Donna’s life focused on her husband, children, grandchildren, students, church and helping others in her community.
Donna was born May 29, 1936, to Dorothy J (Marks) and Robert S. Salts and lived in North Hollywood, California until she was young teenager. Leaving behind a blossoming modelling career, including an ad campaign for Campbell’s Soup Company, she moved with her family to Siloam Springs, Arkansas in the early 1950s. She demonstrated her constant aptitude for making the most of every situation, became Miss Siloam Springs 1954, competed that same year in the American Royal Pageant, graduated from Siloam Springs High School, where she made life-long friends and enjoyed reunions for over fifty years. After high school, she studied at Arkansas Tech University, earning Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees with honours in Education. Here she met, Chuck, marrying in 1956. They were involved alumni throughout their lives with both Arkansas Tech and the University of Arkansas, establishing a financial aid scholarship at both schools for student-athletes who maintain a strong academic record in the school’s education or business programs.
In 1960, Donna and Chuck moved to Russellville, AR, raised three sons and became pillars of the community. Donna was a beloved elementary school teacher at Dwight Elementary School for thirty years, earning recognition for her impact on others with multiple county and state education awards. She worked countless hours for her students, many of them disadvantaged, and gave tirelessly of herself to improve their lives and empower them to achieve their potential. Additionally, she taught Sunday school at First United Methodist Church for 14 years. Many Russellville adults still remember her fondly and were influenced by her, considering her to have left a positive mark on their lives.
In retirement, Donna continued her life-long devotion for public service, especially through her church. Over three decades Donna chaired six committees and volunteered for over a dozen other programs, fostering a strong, altruistic community. She was a Steven Minister and the first female Chairwoman of the Board for the First United Methodist Church of Russellville. She exhibited a deep joy for life and boundless energy for her many hobbies. She and Chuck joined their friends on numerous cross-country motorcycle trips & became avid golfers. She enjoyed her garden, read daily and cooked famous meals for family and friends.
Her family honors the impact she had on each of them. They remember her for her steadfast love for family, service, kindness to others, and positive can-do attitude, which they strive to emulate. She was a devoted and special grandmother, playing sports, teaching them games, and holding countless phone calls. She worked to bring the best out of others her whole life and her family cherishes the opportunities she has created for them and traits she instilled in their characters.
Donna was preceded by her parents, sister Charolette J. LePore and brother Robert Salts Jr.
Memorial Service will be held at Butterfield Trail Village, 1923 East Joyce Blvd, Fayetteville, AR on Tuesday, February 18th at 10:30 AM. Followed by the Graveside Service at the Fayetteville National Cemetery,1000 S Lt Col Leroy Pond Ave, Fayetteville, AR at 1:30 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Manna House, where for nearly two decades Donna helped the hungry in her community – Manna House Designated Fund, 304 S Commerce Avenue Russellville, Arkansas 72801, (Russellvillefirst.org), phone number: 479-968-1232 or to the Northwest Arkansas Children’s Hospital, PO Box 2207, Lowell, AR 72745 (Support.archildrens.org), phone number: 479-725-2960.
The family would also like to thank the doctors and staff for their exceptional care at Butterfield Trail Village, UAMS Fayetteville and Washington Regional Hospital.
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