Heidrun Schneider Horton

Obituary For Heidrun Schneider Horton

In the early morning of August 1st, 2024, we share that Heidrun Schneider Horton, our beloved mother, grandmother, cousin, friend, and neighbor left her earthly home for her heavenly home. At the age of 84, she sewed deep roots in relationships with those in her closest circle and has a garden of loved ones all the better for knowing her immense kindness, honesty, and genuine friendship.

Heidrun came into this world on January 26th, 1940 in Munich Germany. She was born to Jakob Schneider and Centa Lachner Schneider. They lived next to a working dairy farm where she went to help out by riding the horses for their daily exercise. Her brother, Armin Schneider, predeceased her several years ago. They remained close all of their lives. She was especially fond of her aunt, Katie Freeland, and through her, befriended her first cousin, Scenia Ita, who became her best friend and confidante.

In 1963, Heidrun bravely took a leap of faith by moving to America, settling in Georgia. She married Charles Horton, an Army Veteran, and had three children. She is survived by Achim Horton and wife, Cindy Horton; Ingo Horton and wife, Kim Horton; Ivo Milot and husband, Paul Milot. Her pride and joy is her grandson Kristopher Milton Sanders, who she helped to raise.

Challenges came early on as parents when the twins, Ingo and Ivo, were born prematurely and confined to the Shriner’s Hospital until strong enough to get home. Heidrun learned early on the need to run the household with a firm hand. Cleanliness and organization was extremely important! While wrapped up in cooking, cleaning, and raising children, tragedy struck with a horrific car accident. Heidrun struggled with many surgeries until the physicians discovered her crumbled back was the culprit to her pain. Alas, a pain pump became the remedy to get her back on her feet. Hallelujah!

Fast forward to the present. Heidrun stayed busy in her later years with the meticulous care of her garden, studying the Bible, cooking delicious meals, enjoying her sweet English Bulldog, Katie, watching Soccer games, and talking with family and friends near and far. She loved to send cards of encouragement or for birthdays putting stickers all over the entire envelope. Yes, the entire envelope!

The biggest highlights in her life were time spent with family and friends. Many late nights she would have long talks with her son, Ingo, discussing everything under the sun. Heidrun took pleasure having an independent daughter, Ivo, who gave her the greatest gift in a grandson. Over Easter this year, while in the hospital, she shared a wonderful afternoon of laughter with Ivo and Paul. She so loved to laugh! Heidrun greatly enjoyed the eight o’clock hour daily spent chatting with Scenia to recant all the days’ events and offer support for one another. A lifelong friend, Helga, became like a sister as they shared changes of life experienced as wives, mothers, and grandmothers. In recent years, she engaged in Bible Study with her friend Norma, and attended worship services together. Her faith in Jesus was always her foundation and she was a fervent prayer warrior for everyone she loved. As for fun, she watched the Atlanta United Soccer Club with her roommate, Mindie, and went to the ballet to admire the male keister in tights and didn’t hold back in saying so!

Heidrun will be sorrowfully missed. Despite all her physical difficulties, she asked how others were doing and did not focus on her troubles. She was generous in her compliments, sympathetic for hardships, and a huge encourager. Her life was a testament to the power of kindness and the impact one person can have to brighten the world. In this last year of medical illness she was tested to the max and still persevered with an iron-will to face each challenge. Amidst the many hospital rooms and rehab facilities, she made sure to thank each caregiver for their help. We were extremely saddened that so close to her goal to get home, her tired body gave out, but never her intellect or spirit!

A Celebration of Life will be held by the family at a later time. Please join us in the happiness of knowing our beloved Heidrun is at peace and with all those she loved waiting to welcome her to heaven. She commented often her desire to see her sweet mother, brother, and aunt again.

If you wish to honor Heidrun Horton, please send donations to one of these two charities.
* Heidrun loved elephants! International Elephant Foundation https://elephantconservation.org/
* She donated often to Shriners Children’s after their incredible support when the twins were born prematurely. https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/

The staff of Central Cremation Services is honored to be selected to provide end-of-life services to the family of Heidrun Schneider Horton.

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