Kimberly Jo Horton

Kimberly Jo Horton passed away peacefully on May 29, 2022. Kim was born August 19, 1982 with an extremely rare neurological disorder that caused seizures, temporary paralysis, and mental limitations; however, despite all of these challenges, Kim was a shining example of happiness and strength.

Kim was a part of the special education program at Fairborn High School, where she graduated in 2004. During her childhood, she enjoyed bowling and in 2002 participated in the wheelchair race with Special Olympics. She also remains the undefeated UNO champion in her family, a title she passionately defended on a regular basis.

For 39 years, she lived at home in Fairborn, OH with her mother, Teressa Morse (Steven Morse 1960 – 2017), who dedicated her life to making sure Kim received the best care with in-home nurses. Kim’s best friends were her two sisters, Stacy Raleigh (Chester Raleigh) and Kelly Maroney (Michael Maroney). She would often be seen wearing one of her favorite “sister shirts” or “sister pajamas.” As an aunt, Kim also loved spending time and with her niece, Madeline Maroney, and her nephews, Evan Raleigh and Colin Maroney.

Kim enjoyed simple pleasures: being with her dogs, having her nails painted, drinking milkshakes, and watching Wheel of Fortune—or what she liked to call “The K-I-M Show.” She also loved going out to shop, talking on the phone, and getting her hair cut.

Over the past few years, Kim’s disorder progressed. On May 1st she was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit at Soin Hospital in Beavercreek, OH. Twelve days later, Kim was moved to Hospice of Dayton. In her final days, her family was comforted knowing that she was surrounded by the people she loved the most. The family would like to thank the Soin ICU team as well as the staff at Hospice of Dayton for providing extraordinary care to Kim.

The family will host a gathering at Belton-Stroup Funeral Home in Fairborn, OH on Friday June 3rd from 12 pm – 1:30 pm, with the funeral service starting at 1:30. Kim will be laid to rest at Byron Cemetery immediately following the funeral.

Kim absolutely loved holidays, especially Christmas. Her true love for giving and childlike joy for the season brought Christmas magic every year. In lieu of flowers, the family is organizing a toy drive in Kim’s honor. Friends and family who would like to contribute, can either bring new, unwrapped toys with them to the services or have the toys delivered directly to Belton-Stroup Funeral Home (c/o Kim Horton, 422 E Dayton Yellow Springs Road Fairborn, OH 45324). The toys will be donated to children in need, giving Kim the opportunity to continue her special tradition of spreading Christmas magic yet again this year.