Vesta Ann Hornbeck

Vesta Ann (Davison) Hornbeck, 82, a resident of Marlborough, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, in the comfort of her home with the love of family surrounding her, having received hospice care since May. She was born to the late Alice Marie (Holder) and V. V. Davison on August 5, 1942, in Pryor, OK. She was educated at and graduated from Great Bend High School in Kansas, class of 1960. Vesta continued her education at Phillips University in Enid, OK, where she earned a Bachelor in English Education. On June 7, 1963, Vesta exchanged vows with Charles (Chuck) E. Hornbeck, whom she met at Phillips when he cast her in the one-act play “Night.” They were wed in Wichita, KS, by a mutual friend and seminarian at Phillips. From 1964 to ’68, she taught at Lithonia High School in Georgia, while her husband attended graduate school. Subsequently, in 1976 she earned a Master of Education at Keene State College. Vesta taught writing at Keene State College for thirty years as adjunct faculty, while also teaching for several years at Franklin Pierce College. As well, she worked evenings at Mason Library for several years. After retirement she worked for two years at Frost Free Library, then was commissioned by Keene State to write Achieving, sequel to James G. Smart’s Striving, both being histories of KSC. Vesta also was active in the community as a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church in Keene, as an actor with the Branch River Theatre in Marlborough, and as a member and president of the Keene branch of the American Association of University Women. She was also a member of the Cheshire County Historical Society, the Marlborough Historical Society, head of the Marlborough School Endowment Fund, a member of the National Education Association, and author of many articles for The Entertainment Times and other regional papers. An ardent reader, she also copyedited manuscripts for regional authors. As a justice of the peace for two years, she officiated at the weddings of perhaps twenty local couples. Mrs. Hornbeck was predeceased by her parents and a brother, William A. Davison. She is survived by her husband, Charles E. Hornbeck of Marlborough, and their two children, Charles D. Hornbeck of Keene and Carrie L. Hornbeck, along with her husband, David A. Deacon, of Perth, Australia. She is also survived by two brothers, Larry J. Davison of Overland Park, KS, and Dwight L. Davison of Pueblo, CO; by her two grandchildren, Finnean B. Hornbeck and Dylan A. Deacon; and by many cousins, nieces, and nephews. In keeping with Vesta’s wishes, there will be no public services. Final arrangements are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel and Crematories, 44 Maple Ave, Keene, NH, 03431.

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Vesta Ann Hornbeck

August 5, 1942 - October 2, 2024