With a heart full of kindness and a life dedicated to others, Kimberly Renee Hornacek, age 69, began her journey home on February 15th, 2026, to rest in the loving arms of our Lord. She passed away peacefully beside her children, where she always felt most at home. Having been greeted by those who had passed before her brought her eternal comfort and peace, though leaving behind a legacy of love and generosity with those who knew her.

Kimberly was born to Paul and Corlene (Woirol) Hornacek on June 22nd, 1956, in Chicago, Illinois. She attended school in Muskegon, MI, and later relocated to Mason County, where she continued helping to raise her 4 siblings. She was the steady center for her family, a woman whose kindness, strength, and wisdom were expressed in every life she touched.

Kimberly lived with a heart wide open; always giving, always caring, always putting others before herself. Her kindness was not a single act but a lifelong calling, expressed in countless sacrifices, gentle guidance, and unwavering support. Even to her very last breath, she conveyed messages for loved ones and provided comfort to her daughters.

She lived her life in service to others, not because she had to, but because it was simply who she was. Whether she was working long shifts as a nurse with a smile that never faded or quietly putting everyone else’s needs before her own as a mother, she gave of herself in ways that left lasting imprints on countless lives. She had a remarkable gift for making people feel welcome, seen, and cared for — the kind of warmth that can’t be taught, only lived.

As a waitress, she was unforgettable. She knew her regulars by name, remembered their stories, their favorite foods, and treated every table like family. Her humor, her hustle, and her heart made her a legend in her own right — the kind of person people came back for, not just for the food or the candy 😊, but for the feeling of being genuinely cared for. She was named “Community Sweetheart” and “The Candy Lady”, pictured in the Ludington Daily News numerous times throughout the years, and honored in more ways than one!

But her greatest joy, her proudest role, was being a grandma. She poured endless love into her grandchildren; always cheering them on, even from afar, spoiling them in all the best ways, and creating memories that will be cherished for a lifetime. To them, she was magic: the soft place to land, the warm hug after a hard day, the one who would play “Gangster” which entailed driving her grandsons around, throwing pop firecrackers out the window as they all laughed, shooting Nerf guns and playing Army, dressing babies, and playing Barbies for hours on end, despite what any of their parents said. She was the laughter and love that made everything feel lighter and kept everyone together.

She was an incredibly hard worker, a mother whose selflessness knew no limits, a nurse who cared with all her heart, a waitress who could brighten anyone’s path, and the best grandma her family could ever have hoped for. She handled life remarkably, never giving up, even when working multiple jobs at a time, owning and operating a truck stop, planning benefits and parties at Pizza Hut, being a single mom to 4 daughters, caring for her mother and siblings throughout the years, and yet still never missing important events, field trips, or special occasions.

Kimberly is survived by her daughters, Jennifer, Rebecca, Melissa, and Paulenea; partner, Darla Anderson; brother, Gregory Hornacek; sister, Allene Sharnowski; grandchildren, Jasseri Lehan, Eathan and Destiney Mendez, Ella and Anna Locke, Tyler Zimmer, Colten Thwaites, Alex and Wyatt Hornacek, Paige and Paisly Duffy; many nieces; nephews; cousins; and lifelong friends.

Preceded in death by her parents; grandparents; her beloved brother, Paul Hornacek; sister, Brenda Hornacek; and many close friends.

Her greatest joy came from lifting others up. She taught us that strength is found in service, that generosity is a legacy, and that the most meaningful life is one lived with compassion. Even in her hardest moments, she continued to give her all — her time, her wisdom, her patience, her love. Her last wish is that others will do the same.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, February 20, 2026, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Pere Marquette Chapel, with Father Mick Shriver officiating. Immediately following the service, Interment will take place at Laketon Cemetery in Muskegon, MI. Visitation will be held Friday from 10:00 AM until time of services at the funeral home.

To honor Kim and her lifelong spirit of giving, donations are welcome and may be paid directly to Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com