Obituaries

Penny Ruth (Nickell) Hornsby passed away surrounded by her family on October 31, 2024, at the age of 52 in Florence, Kentucky.

Penny spent her childhood in the rolling hills of Kentucky, surrounded by a loving family. She was the beloved daughter of Debbie (Nickell) Cates, and the late Miles Nickell Sr. Penny grew up with a close-knit group of siblings. Her sisters Rachael (Terry) Eibeck and Melissa (Shawn) McMillan, and brothers Miles (Sheri) Nickell and Matthew (Summer) Nickell. They shared countless memories. She is survived by her children Chasity Hornsby (Timothy Stepp) and Zachary Hornsby, Sr (Victoria Clark). Penny was a grandmother to Willow, Oaklee, Cypress, and Zachary Jr, whose lives she touched with her warmth and merriment.

Penny's heart was huge, and though she was preceded in death by her father, son JJ Hornsby, stepfather Billy Cates, brother Miles Nickell Jr., and her grandparents Warner & Eloise Nickell and Hazel & Cliff Vickers, she carried their memory with her in every smile and every act of kindness.

A dedicated professional, Penny was a respected trainer at Flying J's Travel Center, where she not only imparted her knowledge but also her infectious laughter and positive spirit to everyone she met. Her colleagues will remember her as a pillar of support and a friend who could always be counted on.

Beyond her work, Penny was a woman of many passions. Her love for singing was evident to all who heard her voice, especially when she sang her favorite 90s country tunes until she turned her life over to the Lord and then it was gospel music. She was a person who found joy in life's simple pleasures, whether it was eating something Mommy made that was good and lots of it. Penny's sense of humor was unmatched, and her laughter was a remedy to all sorrows.

Penny's presence was a gift to the world. She was truly loving and spirited, words that only begin to describe the essence of a woman who lived her life with such passion and grace. Her legacy is one of love, laughter, and the precious moments shared with those she held dear.

Penny has left an permanent mark on the hearts of those she has left behind, and her memory will continue to inspire and comfort them in the days to come. As her family and friends bid farewell to this extraordinary woman, they take solace in knowing that her spirit lives on in each act of kindness and every melody sung in her honor.

Visitation will be Thursday, November 7, 2024, 11:00 AM-1:00 PM, service to follow at 1:00 PM. All services will be held at Mission Church of God, 7851 Tanners Lane, Florence, Kentucky.

Burial in Hill Crest Cemetery, Dry Ridge, Kentucky.