Bertha Jeanette Horn

Bertha Jeanette Horn, 91, of rural Columbia City, passed away at 6:00 a.m. Friday, August 15, 2025, at her home. Born on May 10, 1934, in White Pigeon, Michigan, she was the daughter of the late Claude G. and Vera Jeanette (Stanner) Kramer. Growing up in White Pigeon, she graduated from White Pigeon High School in 1952. Continuing her education, she attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor where she studied mathematics. Moving to Fort Wayne, in 1954, she attended the International Business College completing their executive secretarial program. Moving to Denver, Colorado, she worked for State Farm Insurance. Returning to Fort Wayne in 1958, she went to work for Lincoln Life and in 1981, earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Indiana University, Fort Wayne. Keeping current with her profession, she earned an Associate's Degree in Computer Science in 1984. Bertha worked as an accountant at Lincoln National Development Corporation, a division of Lincoln Life, in Fort Wayne. In 1984, she transferred to the office in Atlanta, Georgia. When the division was acquired by Kern & Company, she continued as a senior corporate accountant. Retiring in 2009, Bertha moved to Columbia City to be with her daughter. An avid reader, she amassed over 15,000 books, many later donated to libraries. She had many beloved cats through the years and enjoyed her grandchildren when they came along. Throughout her adulthood, she sent an annual Christmas letter to her friends and family, keeping a copy in her file. She enjoyed puzzles, computer games, Facebook, and watching the evening television game shows. Growing up attending the Methodist Church, she became a member of North Christian Church in Fort Wayne, where she served as the Treasurer. She was also a member of the Fort Wayne Astronomical Society, serving as secretary from 1966 to 1969. She is survived by her daughter, Denise (Dennis) Fuhrman of Columbia City; grandchildren, Christopher (Stephanie) Cox, Jennifer (Toni) Fuhrman, Kimberly (Pete) Stackpole; step-grandchildren, Angela Yovanovitch and Michelle (John) Tuttle; and 14 great-grandchildren. Additionally, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Robert Kramer and John Claude Kramer, and an infant brother, Joseph Kramer. Visitation is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday (August 21st) at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial will take place at a later date at the White Pigeon Cemetery, White Pigeon, MI. Memorials in Bertha's honor are to the Humane Society of Whitley County.