Ruth E. (Zelnis) Horner

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ruth Estelle Horner, 81 of Coal Center Pa. She passed away peacefully on June 10, 2026

She was the daughter of the late Joseph and Ruth (Davis) Zelnis.

Ruth was a lifelong resident of California and Coal Center Pa.

Many in the community remember her as the Meter Attendant for California Borough. Eventually retiring from Washington County Housing authority.

Ruth loved to cook and enjoyed many Sundays with her family, welcoming whom ever walked through the door.

She had a keen sense for making lifelong friendships with the people she cherished…Never an evening passed that friends or family sat at the kitchen table enjoying a hot cup of coffee and good conversation with her and Chief.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 34 years, Nelson (Chief) Horner, sisters Joanne Bodnar and Yvonne Popielarczyk. Sons Thomas Tatar Jr., Stephen Tatar, step son Michael Horner and daughter Karen Tatar.

Left to cherish her memory are her sister, Fay Kennedy, daughter Donna Santo (Rob Burns), step daughter, Randi Lee, step sons, Nelson J. Horner Jr., Robert L. Horner, Alan Horner and wife Patti, Samuel Horner and wife Linda.

Grandchildren, Daniel Santo and Wife Heather, Jacob Santo,

Megan Merkel and Kim Frey. Great Grand Children, Ruby Santo, and Jack Santo.

She will be sadly missed by her friends and family, but comforted knowing she will be joining her loved ones.

Visitation for friends and family will be held on Monday June 15, 2026 from 4:00-8:00PM in the MARISCOTTI FUNERAL HOME, INC., Anthony N. Mariscotti, Supervisor, 323 Fourth Street, California, PA.  Funeral Services will be held in the funeral home on Tuesday, at 11 am with Rev. Amory Merriman officiating.

Interment will be private and at the convenience of her family in Redstone Cemetery, Brownsville, PA.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ruth E. (Zelnis) Horner, please visit our floral store.