Ethel Mae Horst

Ethel Mae Horst, 92, of Lancaster, passed away on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at United Zion Retirement Community.
She was born in Rothsville to the late Elroy and Ruth (Myer) Young and was the beloved wife of Robert L. Horst, with whom she shared 73 years of marriage.
She was a member of Salem United Methodist Church, Rothsville, where she was a pianist for more than 50 years. Ethel also participated in the church's Bible studies and Missions team. A woman of strong faith, she was a member of the Lancaster Christian Women's Club.
Ethel and Bob married while Bob was serving in the U.S. Navy and she faithfully accompanied him to stations in Maryland, Kansas, and Charleston, S.C. Following Bob's discharge from the service, they settled in State College, where Ethel worked at Penn State. In 1958, Ethel and Bob returned to Lancaster, where they have resided ever since.
She and Bob continued to travel together, visiting many countries and four continents. She was a devoted mother and grandmother who enjoyed supporting her children in their sports, music lessons, and other activities. Ethel was an excellent homemaker and a voracious reader. She loved cooking and caring for others.
In addition to her husband Bob, Ethel is survived by three children: R. Kyle Horst, Gayle E. Plecha (David), Eric J. Horst (Lisa); eight grandchildren: Simone Horst (Henry Elsey), Robert F. M. Horst, Ivan Horst, Tobin Horst, Anna Plecha (Donald Ziems), Marie Plecha, Cameron Horst, Jonathan Horst; one great-grandson, and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters and four brothers.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 11 AM, at Samuel United Methodist Church, 1744 Old Rothsville Road, Lititz, with Pastor Hedwige Mutwale and Pastor Larry Kipp officiating. Interment will follow in Millport Mennonite Cemetery, Leola.
Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata.