Elidia (Castillo) Van Horn

Elidia Carolyn (Castillo) Van Horn of the surrounding Lansing area passed away peacefully at the age of 77, surrounded by her family on Friday, July 30, 2021. Born October 26, 1943 to Librado and Otimia (Alonzo) Castillo in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. Elidia grew up in Shepard with her 11 siblings until marring Carlton R Van Horn on June 8th 1962. They started a family in 1965 and resided in the Alma area before purchasing property and built a home in Sunfield, MI and their family grew with a total of 6 children. Elidia worked as a nurses aide, in production, as a cook over the years all while raising her family and tending their small farm. In 1988 her husband Carlton passed away unexpectedly and with four children still at home, Elidia rose to the occasion and moved forward with their lives. She raised the remaining children at home on her own in Lansing, MI. In 1989 Elidia was in a car accident in which she sustained severe injuries to her lungs which medical professionals thought she would not survive. Although with a long recovery and the support of her family, brother John and his wife Lupe, Elidia recovered and once again moved forward in her life.

Elidia was known as a woman with many talents, from cooking, baking, canning from their garden, making jams, jellies and salsa. She had a knack for sewing and knitting that she learned from her Mom. She made special outfits for the kids when they were young for Easter, Halloween costumes, hats and gloves. She was also very crafty and enjoyed making flower arrangements, decorating cakes and help planning for any special occasion. Family was always important to her, from running kids to and from their sporting events, making something for their bake sales or being a chaperone on their field trips. Elidia was a dedicated mother and treasured her children and especially loved her role as Nana.

Elidia was loved by so many and will be missed by all who remember her. Preceding her in death were her husband, Carlton Van Horn; parents Tina and Lee Castillo, siblings, Louisa David (Castillo), Felix Castillo; twin siblings, Otima and Librado Castillo; son-in-law Wes Thomas; to be son-in-laws Trent Totten and Chris McFarlane; and grandson in-law Adrian Contreras. As well as aunts, uncles, cousins and a nephew.

Surviving are her children, Christina Angell, Carl Van Horn, Kay (Fred) Hehl, Alice Van Horn, Daniel (Jennifer) Van Horn, Joe (Kristin) Van Horn; honorary son, Rey Jimenez III; grandchildren, Megan Contreras, Lisa-Marie Van Horn, Anthony Van Horn, Brett Van Horn, Alexander Van Horn, Madison Van Horn, Gabriella Van Horn, Landon Hehl, Alissa Van Horn, Reese Hehl, Luna Grace Van Horn; honorary grandchildren, Elena Jimenez, Reymundo Jimenez IV, Gabriel Jimenez; great grandchildren, Vanessa Van Horn, Ariana Contreras, Adrian Contreras Jr., Lexi Van Horn; siblings, John (Lupe) Castillo, Steve (Amelia) Castillo, Liz (Art) Sanchez, Linda (Rick) Sebastian, Olivia (Richard) Ramirez, Joe Castillo, Mary (Walt) Welsh, David Castillo, Theresa (Randy) Morado; sister-in-law, Linda Castillo as well as many nieces and nephews. And Elidia's companion, her beloved dog Paloma.

Visitation is on Wednesday August 4, 2021 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm with a Rosary Service starting at 7pm at the church. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, August 5, 2021, with visitation one hour prior to Mass at Cristo Rey Church in Lansing. Following Mass there will be a procession out of church. Cemetery services will be held at a later date. Immediately following the procession a luncheon will be served at the Cristo Rey Church Hall. For those desiring, or in lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to the family in care of Christina Angell, for the memory of Elidia. To share memories and condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com