Alexandria — Mary Ann Hornbeek (1942–2026) passed away peacefully on January 6, 2026, in Alexandria, Kentucky. She was cared for with compassion and dignity by a dedicated group of professionals on the Dogwood floor at Seasons in Alexandria.
Mary Ann was born on December 25, 1942, in her family home on Flour Creek Road in Butler, Kentucky. She spent her entire life on the “Creek,” a place that remained central to her identity and values.
Many things dominated Mary Ann’s life, but none more than education. She was a student at Butler School and was a proud 1960 graduate of Pendleton County High School. Her class was the first to graduate following the consolidation of the county’s small community schools. Until her passing, she maintained strong relationships with her former classmates. In 1960, she made a bold move to Richmond, Kentucky, as a first-generation college student attending Eastern Kentucky State College. Mary graduated in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science in Education and in 1974 with a master’s degree in education.
Her professional life was centered around teaching Pendleton County’s children for 30 years. In 1964, she began her career at Butler School and then transitioned to the newly established Northern Elementary School. Mary Ann was unable to stay away from the teaching profession; she worked for 15 years as a librarian for the Diocese of Covington, serving St. Mary’s in Alexandria and Sts. Peter and Paul in Camp Springs.
In 1967, she married her soulmate, George “Punch” Hornbeek. She moved five houses down the “Creek” to live on the Hornbeek farm. Mary Ann and Punch worked together raising tobacco and beef cattle. In addition to farming, their lives were rooted in faith. As active members of Christ Church at Eastside Park, they built a strong spiritual foundation within their community.
Mary Ann and Punch had one child, Amanda (Mandy), whom they cherished deeply. They loved traveling to Connecticut to spend time with Mandy and her family each year. Mary Ann was able to be with Mandy, Gregg, Simone, and Zane until shortly before her passing.
Mary Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Punch; her parents, Ira and Isabel Wilson; and her only sibling, Richard Wilson.
Her remaining family includes her daughter and son-in-law, Amanda (Mandy) and Gregg Cappon; grandchildren, Simone and Zane Cappon; sister-in-law, Dawn Wilson; nephew, Cory (Sarah) Wilson; niece, Chelsey (Raymond) Stone; great-nieces, Nora, Meredith, Lily Wilson; and many beloved Hornbeek nieces and nephews.
Services were Sunday, January 11, 2026, and were organized by Peoples Funeral Home, in Butler.
Graveside burial took place at Flour Creek Cemetery, in Butler.
Online condolences can be submitted at www.peoplesfuneralhomes.com.
Memorial Donation Requests: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Glioblastoma Foundation (glioblastomafoundation.org), PO Box 62066, Durham, NC 27715, or to the Pendleton County Public Library, 801 Robbins Ave., Falmouth KY 41040