Obituary: Virginia Lambkin Horner

The eldest daughter of Leonard and Mary Lambkin, Virginia was born in Great Falls in 1921, and spent much of her life in Lincoln, growing up at her parents' hotel, the now -iconic Hotel Lincoln and Lambkins of Lincoln Bar and Restaurant. Virginia was born with intense beauty, intelligence, a great sense of humor, and real grit. Virginia navigated through life with confidence and pride, and because of these traits she greatly influenced those lucky enough to be in her presence.

Virginia attended Missoula County High School in Missoula and graduated in 1940. She began studying journalism in Missoula at Montana State University (now the University of Montana) that fall, and roomed with her older brother, Leonard, Jr. in an apartment above the Wilma Theater. Virginia and her siblings were very close and kept close throughout their years together.

In 1943 she married the love of her life, Joseph E. Horner, whose parents, Ralph and Ellen (Nell) Horner had worked the Constellation Mine in Shuey Gulch near the Mike Horse during the '30s. Both Joe and Virginia's brother Leonard served in Europe during World War II. While Joe made it home, Leonard was killed in action during the Battle of the Hurtgen Forest in Belgium. She was so proud of the sacrifice that Leonard gave to his country.

Virginia went on to get her bachelor's degree in education from the College of Great Falls and in 1944 gave birth to her first son, Joseph, followed three years later by the birth of her second son, Michael. She and Joe welcomed their third son David in 1952, and in 1955 she gave birth to her fourth son, Stuart.

Virginia's teaching included time working with her sister Ellen at Lincoln School, teaching the 5th through 7th grade students, while Ellen taught 1st through 4th grade. She left Lincoln School in 1958 when she and Joe moved to California, and she continued her teaching career there.

By 1961 they were back in Montana. Virginia began teaching at Helmville school before taking a job as the 4th grade teacher in Vaughn in 1967. From there she moved on to Great Falls, and then spent 13 years teaching at Franklin School until her retirement in 1981. She touched the lives of many children and was passionate about education. Virginia's mind was sharp until the very end. Family members knew that politics and our world's problems were on her mind and you would not be able to find a topic that she did not have some opinion or knowledge.

In 1994, Virginia and her sisters Betty and Ellen shared their memories of growing up in Lincoln in "Gold Pans and Singletrees," the Lincoln history book published by the Upper Blackfoot Valley Historical Society. Her memory of the early days in Lincoln are cherished by the entire family. The Lambkin family contributed to the vitality and growth of the town of Lincoln and she was very proud of their involvement.

In her later years, Virginia and her husband Joe spent a lot of time traveling after retirement and even built a log home on 2nd Avenue South in Lincoln. That was a place where all of her family would gather for holidays and special occasions. She was very proud of her little cabin in the woods. Additionally, at her home in Great Falls, where she lived for 50 years, she had one of the most spectacular gardens which she meticulously tended. Cooking meals and serving her own garden grown vegetables brought the family together most Sundays.

Above all, she valued her family and was extremely proud of each and every one of of her children and grandchildren. She thanked God every day for all of her blessings. Her strength in Christ was very important to her and she spent a lot of hours reading her Bible and thinking about the Lord's teachings. Virgie was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, football fan, and friend to all who knew her. She was an incredible force in the Horner/Lambkin family. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

The Horner family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Gordon, the nurses at Hospice, The staff of the Grandview, and the staff at Eastview for all of their care.

Virginia is survived by: Mike (Patty) Horner, David (Kelly) Horner, and Stuart (Christa) Horner; Granddaughter Brenda (John) Horner Vehrs; Grandson, Joseph (Glenda) Horner Jr .; Grandson Michael (Kim) Horner, and Grandson David Horner;Great Grandchildren Joey Horner, Matt Horner( Katie), Josh Horner(Hana), Paige (Ray) Morgan, Madison (Greyson) Pasco, Sadie (Shandon) Bilbrey, Tayler Held, Grant Hudspeth(Sydni), and Jacob Horner, McKenna Blevins, Hailee Grant, and Nikki Blevins;

Great-Great-Grandchildren, Jackson, Lincoln, Elenya Grace, Claire Ray, Kohlyton, Brycie Charlie, Olivia, Jett, Kai and Oliver.

Additionally she leaves behind many Nieces, Nephews and Cousins from both Lambkin and Horner sides of the family.

She is preceded by Her parents Leonard and Mary Lambkin, Husband Joseph Horner, Sister Betty Disney and Ellen Mulcare, Son Joseph L. Horner, Daughter-in-Law Sharon Horner and Grandson Jack Horner.