Nita McLennan Hornbeck passed away on April 1, 2024, at the age of 95, following a lifetime of raising four children and teaching in Texas schools. Nita married Carlton Wayne Hornbeck on December 28, 1951, a marriage that lasted 52 years. She is survived by Rebecca Cudak, Susan and Bob Treese, Cynthia and Bobby Chandler, Robert Hornbeck and Gary Jones, her grandson Eric Cudak and his wife Claire, and a niece Crystal Brinkmann. One son, Carlton Wayne Jr. died in 1964. After his death, Nita organized The Alice Heart Fund to benefit the Texas Heart Institute for research.
After receiving her bachelor of art degree from Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, and her masters from A&M University in Kingsville, Texas, Nita taught high school and university literature and composition courses and took an interest in local and state politics. She was active as a member of the First United Methodist Church.
After her retirement from teaching, Nita joined American Association of University Women (AAUW), holding several branch, state, and Association offices. AAUW advances equity for women and girls through research, education and advocacy. She received recognition for her work as Local Arrangements Chair for state and national conventions, Public Policy representative on State and Association boards, District Director for Central Texas, and served as President of the Austin Branch. In recognition of her many contributions, a Fund was established in 2023, “The Nita Fund,” to provide scholarships for young women to advance their educational endeavors.
While living at Wesleyan at Estrella in Georgetown, Texas, Nita participated in many theatre productions in various roles, but always a star!
Her Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, April 5, in the Hewlett Room at Wesleyan, 210 White Heron Dr, Georgetown, Texas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to ‘The Nita Fund AAUW Georgetown’. Mail to: 6101 Highland Campus Dr. Building 3000 Ste 4270 Austin, Texas 78752.
Or online at The Nita Fund: https://offices.austincc.edu/foundation/make-a-donation-to-the-austin-community-college-foundation/