Virginia Ann Horton

Virginia Ann Horton, 85, of Topeka, passed away Monday, February 2, 2026.

She was born August 18, 1940, in Topeka, Kansas, the daughter of John and Margaret (Treffer) Gabe. She graduated from Topeka High School in 1958 and attended Washburn University.

Virginia worked as an Elementary Teacher with the Topeka Christian Academy for upwards of 10 years. She worked various positions within the State of Kansas until retiring from Social Rehabilitation Services (SRS).

Mrs. Horton was a member of Faith Family Life Center, of Topeka.

Virginia married Donald E. Horton on December 25, 1958 in Topeka. He preceded her in death in January of 2019. She was also preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Vernon and John Richard Gabe; her son, Michael E. Horton; her son-in-law, John M. Hickling; nephew, Richard Dale; niece, Elizabeth; brother-in-law, Frank Olander; and sister-in-law, Ada Gabe.

She is survived by her daughter, Michelle Hickling; son, Jeffrey Horton (Keri); daughter-in-law, Christine Horton; grandchildren, Stephanie, Charisse, Caleb, Gabriel (Arynne), Alexander, Havilah, Faith, Emma, Nicholas, Joshua, William, and Margaret; great grandchildren, Ella, Bella, Emma, Johnny, Kassandra, and Cyrus; sister, Karen Gabe; sister-in-law, Sue Gabe; nephews, James, Ronald, Jack; and nieces, Debbie and Cathy.

In her younger years, she had a passion for teaching Bible studies, Sunday school, and children's church. As she got older she enjoyed teaching and spoiling her grandchildren. She had a deep love for her husband and became his care-giver for the last years of his life. She loved reading books, socializing with friends, and volunteering for the church. She was a prayer warrior for all those around her. She knew her way around the kitchen and was a wonderful cook and baker. She had the pleasure of visiting all kinds of new places with the people who meant the most to her, her family.

A Celebration of Virginia's Life will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Dove Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Rd, Topeka, KS 66610.

Memorial contributions may be made to Jewish People through Jerusalem Prayer Team here (https://giving.jerusalemprayerteam.org/donate/?utm_source=jptorg1).

To share a memory of Virginia or leave a special message for her family, visit the guestbook below.