Jeanette Martha (Krueger) Childress Horan

Jeanette Martha Childress Horan, 104, of South Bend, In passed away at 11:30 am, Thursday, January 19th in Memorial Hospital. Jeanette was born August 13, 1918 to the late Minnie (Matz) and Charles J. Krueger. She is proceed in death by daughter, Patricia A Childress, her husband, Clifford H. Childress, and her second husband John P. Horan.

She is survived by a daughter, Linda J. Pluta (Daniel) of Durham, NC, a granddaughter, Stephanie S. Pluta Van Blarcom (Troy) of Raleigh, NC, a grandson, Nicholas D. Pluta (Amanda) of Haymarket, VA, and a nephew, Rev. Thomas Hammond of Mexico.

Jeanette grew up in LaPorte, IN with two sisters and one brother. She attended St. John’s Lutheran School. During WWII, she worked in a local factory to support the war effort and provide income for herself.  After the war, she met and married Clifford H. Childress of Fithian, IL in 1950. They settled in Niles, Michigan and had two daughters, Linda and Patricia. She was active in the PTA and her daughters Dance and Baton Organizations.

After Clifford’s death in 1966, Jeanette obtained her GED and found employment with a banking institution located in South Bend, IN. She watched her daughters’ graduate high school, attend college and marry.

She would meet John P. Horan in the 1980’s and they with friends enjoyed dancing, dining and traveling.  In 1990 they were married and moved to South Bend, IN. They were members of the United States Power Squadrons and the local South Bend Sail and Power Squadron Unit (this is a private boating organization that promotes boating safety and education). Through this membership, they attend many meetings and conventions throughout the country.

After John’s death in 1996, Jeanette continued being active in the community, church, and the local Power Squadron. She enjoyed seeing her grandchildren grow, attend college and marry.  Even as she lost friends, she continued to make new ones. She remained in her home in South Bend until her passing. Her family and friends will miss her presence in their lives.

A funeral service for Jeanette will be held Friday, January 27, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Palmer Funeral Home – Welsheimer North Chapel 17033 Cleveland Rd. South Bend, IN 46635.  The service will be live-streamed and can be seen at the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKiAuvOTGaE

Friends may visit with the family Thursday evening, January 26, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. 

In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Clay Church 52866 N. Ironwood Rd.  South Bend, IN 46635.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

A link will be posted here Thursday morning so you may view the funeral via live stream:

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.