Patricia Diana Jean Hornbeck

Patricia L. Hornbeck died unexpectedly on September 11, 2025, because her family, in fact, believed that she would live forever. She had strength of character and of conviction, Psalm 46:5 (NKJV), "God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, just at the break of dawn". She left this world comfortably and peacefully, supported and cared for by her family, and by the wonderful staff of Sunset Manor and Faith Hospice.
Born in Detroit Michigan, on September 16, 1927 to Ralph David Lamie and Alida Beatrice Squire Lamie, she was the youngest of their three children, eldest brother Ralph Squire Lamie and elder sister Dorthea Beatrice Lamie. She graduated from Lewis Cass Technical High School and began her collegiate experience at Michigan State College. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in 1948 at the age of 21. She later earned a Masters of Arts, in 1963 from Michigan State University. Mother mentioned that she met our father, Chester A. Hornbeck, during summer session at Michigan State. It was not love at first sight, but apparently, they managed well enough. They married on August 12, 1948 and remained married for 34 years, until our father's passing on April 14, 1982. They had seven children, six of whom are alive and well. Carol Aragon, Ruth Hatch (Gerald), Donald Hornbeck, Susan Ouellette (Brian Ruhoff), Beth Shepherd (Charles) and Joanne Coates (Steven). William Chester Hornbeck left earth very early in 1952, living only 15 months. Pat had many grandchildren and great grandchildren and she was Aunt Pat to Charles Malcom Douglas, Mary Douglas Olman Stearns and Bruce Douglas.
She was active in the Red Cross as a disaster volunteer; she built houses for Habitat for Humanity; she traveled the world far and wide on mission trips and other sojourns – visiting 40 plus countries. She had a deep love for exploring the world. She enjoyed volunteering for the Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra, St. Cecelia's Music Society and the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre. One of her favorite trips was to attend the GRSO performance at New York's Carnegie Hall in 2005.
She was a lifelong learner – she attended the January Series at Calvin College for many years. Some of her favorite memories from her childhood – going to the library and getting stacks of books, hanging out a local bookstore so frequently that the owner finally offered her a job. She continued to enjoy reading until her eyesight impacted her ability to do so.
With all this – and so much more – her one goal, above all others, was to serve God. She experienced a re-dedication to Christ, at the Tarpaper Shack, on the Shear Lake at Camp Barakel so many years ago now. She continued to volunteer in the kitchen there for many years, her specialty being command of the salad bar. Almost every Labor Day weekend, since 1978, after volunteering at Camp Barakel, she would drive further north to walk the Mackinac Bridge. Over the years, she was accompanied by other members of the family. Her last crossing was 2018 accompanied by grand-daughter, Christa.
Throughout her life, she enjoyed the fellowship of believers at Perry Baptist Church, Calvary Church and Grandville Bible Church.
Your price is far above rubies and today we let your works be praised in the gates. We love you, Mom.
Please join us in celebrating her life, at Grandville Bible Church, Saturday, October 25, 2025. Visitation from 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM, service at 1:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, please donate generously to Faith Hospice so that others may benefit from their services.