Nitha Ernestine Fisher Horn, age 94, went home to be with her Lord on Jan. 23, 2015, at her son's home in Winnemucca, Nev., after a three-year battle with cancer.
Nitha was born on Oct. 18, 1920, in her grandmother's house south of Abbott, N.M. She lost her mother, Nitha Gay Klipstine Fisher, during her birth. Her father, Flake Fisher, later married Marie Smith Fisher.
Nitha grew up in a farming and ranching community with her younger siblings, two brothers and a much younger sister. She graduated high school from Newton School in Colfax County, N.M. One of her best friends during high school, Dale Horn (Jordan), later became her sister-in-law.
Despite the dust bowl days and the depression, Nitha was very active in 4H, ultimately taking first place in the International Harvester Hay and Grain Show of 1938 in Chicago, Ill., with her canning project. Her marriage to O M (Meb) Horn on Dec. 23, 1938, had to be delayed in order to qualify for the Chicago 4H trip. After their marriage, friends planned a chivaree during which they "stole" a friends car. Their freedom was short-lived as the car ran out of gas. Eventually friends were given treats of Mexican cigars and red hots.
Nitha and Meb made their living farming and ranching for the next 63 years in northeastern New Mexico, except for a brief time in Texas and Idaho. The last 34 years of their marriage were on a place of their own east of Wagon Mound, N.M., on the breaks of the Canadian River.
Nitha was known for her ranch cooking and bread making skills, which provided rolls for many church and community meals. Her sewing skills kept Meb and other family members in western shirts. Quilts were lovingly made for many family members and friends. She has been the other grandma for many, many children. After Meb's death in 2001 Nitha made her home with her son Dean and his wife Linda, first in Soda Springs, Idaho, and then in Winnemucca, Nev.
Nitha is survived by her three children, Jerry Horn, Patsy (Larry) Moon and Dean (Linda) Horn; nine grandchildren and many great, great-great and at least one great-great-great grandchild; her sister, Ruby Jane Blackmon; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceding Nitha in death were her husband, Meb, her parents and step-mother, two brothers, Flake Leroy Fisher and Dale Dean Fisher, one daughter-in-law, Mary Horn, one granddaughter and two grandson-in-laws.
Services were held on Feb. 4, 2015, at First Baptist Church, Roy, N.M., with interment following at the Roy Cemetery. Arrangements were with Yaksich-Long Funeral Home, Raton, N.M.
Memorial donations may be made in Nitha's name to Humboldt Volunteer Hospice, PO Box 843, Winnemucca, NV 89446; First Baptist Church, PO Box 40, Roy, N.M.; or New Mexico Baptist Children's Home, 2200 South Avenue I, Portales, N.M. 88130 publicrelation@nmbch.com
Nitha Horn leaves a legacy of love.
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