Martha F. Van Horn

Martha Marty Fetter Van Horn, 98, of Plano, TX joined her Heavenly Father on January 6, 2022.

Born on October 15, 1923, in Chelsea, IA to Lewis and Agnes Fetter, Sr., Martha’s early years were spent on the family farm with her nine siblings during the Great Depression. Here, she developed a work ethic that would guide her life, be a model for her children and a source of amazement for those who knew her.

After high school Martha studied at Mercy School of Nursing in IA. Having earned a nursing scholarship, she moved to Washington, D.C. where she graduated from Georgetown University with a BS degree in Nursing in 1954.  She joined the USAR Nurse Corps and rose to the rank of Captain. She met and married the love of her life, Frank C. Van Horn, on June 20, 1959 in Washington, D.C.  During the ensuing years Martha began her family with the birth of her son, Allan in Washington D.C. and Mark in Jacksonville, FL. Her daughter, Monice was born in Baltimore, MD. The family settled in New Orleans, LA for 9 years before moving to Plano, TX in 1977, where she lived the remaining years of her life.

Martha was a devoted, caring and decorated nurse who worked at Richardson Medical Center.  The emergency room is where she made her career and accounted for many years of compassionate service. Martha primarily worked in the emergency room at night to better support her family. The night shift was a great sacrifice for her and Frank, an example of Martha’s devotion to the success of her children.  When she retired, she joined a group of volunteer physicians, nurses and lay people who ran the Collin County Adult clinic for those less fortunate, free of charge.

The essence of Martha was her strong Catholic belief lived out as an active member of St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church. Her faith was demonstrated in her willingness to continuously and selflessly reach out to help others. Her volunteer work at St Mark was legendary. She served as a Eucharistic Minister, worked in the Church office, counted the collections after mass, joined the Women of St. Mark, brought communion to the homebound, participated in Bible studies and was part of the Compassion Ministry where she helped with countless funeral receptions. She attended mass, prayed the Rosary and read the Liturgy of The Word daily. In 2013, Martha received the Catholic Diocese of Dallas Bishop’s Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service to St. Mark.

Martha was an avid sports fan and kept up with the Cowboys, Rangers, Mavericks, Stars and her dear Georgetown Hoya basketball team. She could be caught watching games in her lounge chair late at night and would consume the sports section the next morning. If left up to her, she would have sent many a Ranger’s pitcher back to the farm for a poor performance.

Martha was a lifelong Scrabble player and enjoyed its intellectual challenge and strategies. She enjoyed playing the game and played until the last six months of her life.

The core of Martha and Frank’s life was their children and grandchildren. As parents, they made countless sacrifices for their children’s well-being and happiness. After the untimely death of her husband of 40 years, Martha continued to place her children and grandchildren as a loving focus of her life. The greatest joy for Martha was any gathering of her children and their families, especially birthdays and holidays.

Martha is predeceased by her parents as well as her husband, Frank. Martha is survived by her siblings John Fetter, Ackley, IA and Georgia Duffy, Humboldt, IA. She is also survived by her children and their spouses: Allan & Brenda Van Horn; Mark & Palmyra Van Horn and Monice & Paul Fullerton. Her grandchildren include: Rachel Solis Van Horn, Rebecca Joy Van Horn, Emmanuel Retta Van Horn; James Thomas Latimer of Tuscaloosa, AL, Nicholas Leigh Fullerton of Dallas, James Thomas Fullerton and Patrick Matthew Fullerton both of London, England.

The Rosary and visitation is Sunday, January 23rd at 7:00 p.m. For those who cannot attend in person, the Rosary service will be Live Streamed at: https://youtu.be/KeK_CGDn9U0

The Funeral Service is Monday, January 24th at 10:00 a.m. For those who cannot attend in person, the Funeral service will be Live Streamed at: https://youtu.be/HmmGsWQIM28

Both will take place at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, 1201 Alma Dr., Plano, TX 75075.  Burial is at Restland Memorial Park after the funeral service and reception.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Lymphoma/Leukemia Society (972-996-5900) or the St. Vincent de Paul Society ( svdpdallas.org ). We, the Martha Van Horn Family, thank her many devoted friends who added significantly to her long, rich life. We are forever indebted.