6/18/2026
Joanne M. Horst, 94, of Leola and formerly of Witmer, passed away peacefully at home on June 18 with her family by her side. Born in Harrisburg, she was the daughter of the late Harold and Mary (Knouse) Thomas. She graduated from John Harris High School and attended Albright College. In 1953, Joanne married Melvin J. Horst, and together they raised five children. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and “Gigi,” known for her endless love and patience.
Joanne began playing piano at age seven and, by fifteen, was serving as the organist at Park Street United Methodist Church in Harrisburg. She later spent more than 25 years as the church organist, secretary, and choir director at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Akron, and another 25 years as the organist at Pearl Street United Methodist Church, retiring in December 2019 at age 87.
Gifted as both a pianist and organist, Joanne’s music was deeply connected to her strong faith. She prayed faithfully, read her Bible daily, and lived with a generous heart. For more than 25 years, she crocheted and donated thousands of baby caps and booties to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Save the Children, and many churches and community organizations. In recognition of her generosity, she received the Red Rose Award from the Lancaster Intelligencer Journal in July 2009. When interviewed, she simply said, “I am happy and blessed!”
Joanne proudly served as Postmaster of the Witmer Post Office for 20 years, retiring in 1998. She welcomed customers with homemade treats, created displays featuring historic photos of the Post Office and neighborhood, and often stayed after hours—off the clock—to help with large mailings. She made the Post Office a warm gathering place where neighbors shared morning coffee and conversation. She decorated the lobby for every season and holiday and hung her own counted cross-stitch artwork throughout. She was deeply honored to receive an award for having the best Post Office and customer service in the region.
Although she loved her work as a Postmaster, her years as an organist, and her charitable crocheting, her greatest joy was her family. She treasured time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and continued hosting large family gatherings and preparing holiday meals until this past year. Joanne was an excellent cook and baker. For more than five years, she prepared homemade breakfasts for guests at the Folk Craft Center Bed and Breakfast in Witmer, where visitors often asked for her recipes.
Joanne also enjoyed gardening—both vegetables and flowers—and always kept large gardens. Every summer she canned and froze vegetables from her garden and fruits from her cherry, apple, and pear trees.
She is survived by her children: Deborah McIntosh, Gary Horst (Jan), Marcia Correa (Hugo), Margaret Stoltzfus (Terry), and Todd Horst; nine grandchildren; and fourteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Gene Thomas, and her son-in-law Timothy McIntosh.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Kevin Lynch; the caregivers from Central Penn Nursing Care, especially Sarah and Abbie; and Holly, Kelsey, and Emily from Amedysis Home Health Care for their exceptional care and support.
A Celebration of Joanne’s Life will be held Tuesday, July 28, at Pearl Street United Methodist Church, 133 Pearl Street, Lancaster, with Pastor Don Zechman officiating. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., followed by the service at 11 a.m. A private burial has taken place at Brownstown Evangelical Cemetery.
If desired, donations in Joanne’s honor may be made to Pearl Street United Methodist Church or Save the Children.