Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
BARBARA "BEN" HORNE (nee Ajax) age 88, beloved wife for 68 years of the late Charles; loving mother of Pamela (Randy) Rumsey, Mark (late wife Karen) Horne, Scott (Denise) Horne, Bradley Horne, Jeff (Tina) Horne, Leanne (Terry) Crosier; devoted grandmother of Jeffrey (Megan) Rumsey, Kyle (Steve)Martin, Jennifer Horne, Terry (Alexandra) Horne, Chris (Amelia) Horne, Ryan Horne, Taylor Horne, Melanie (Paul)Kearney, the late Alec Horne, Cameron (Justin) Esber, Caitlin Crosier, Connor Crosier, Reese (John) Perella. and great-grandmother of Colt Martin, Liam Horne, Jett Horne, Ola Horne, Ella Horne, Navy Horne, Christopher (CZ) Horne, Jaxon Esber, Luella Esber, Rosalee Esber, John (JJ) Perella Jr, Henry Perella; and cherished daughter of Clarence D. and Eugenia (nee Martin) Ajax. She is also survived by her former daughter-in-law and close friend Mary Horne.
Barbara “Ben” Horne was born in Cleveland, Ohio on December 15,1936. Surrounded by her family, she lost her battle with cancer on July 6, 2025. Although it is termed "lost battle with cancer," Ben overwhelmingly won the challenges of life. She lived a long and fulfilling life, creating a large family and spending precious time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was selfless and giving, making sure everyone was taken care of before herself. Ben's love for her family showed in all she did in life. Her calm and gracious demeanor allowed many to gravitate towards her and made her such a blessing to be around. She had friends from many states, as her Bags by Ben business of making jewelry bags was a large part of her middle years with her late husband, Charles Horne.
Ben was also an extraordinary cook and baker, so much so that she won a Betty Crocker award in 1955. Her grandchildren looked forward to her and Papa making their traditional cut-out cookies and delicious crepes on Christmas morning. Her cooking and baking expertise has been diligently taught, and her cherished recipes will be passed down for generations to come. She left legacies for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren that will be continued throughout generations.
Arrangements have been entrusted to THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91). Services are private.
View All Photos
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreYou may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read moreThese free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read moreSome basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more