Evelyn Diana "Cookie" (Strawder) Horvath

Evelyn Diana “Cookie” Horvath (nee Strawder) died peacefully in La Porte, Indiana, on July 23rd, 2025 at the age of 78, after a long illness.

All of her friends knew her as Cookie, and she was a spirited, fun-loving woman who was generous to a fault and never met a stranger. She was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on January 14, 1947, to Frank and Evelyn Strawder, and was the youngest of their 4 children. Raised in Mooresville, Indiana, Cookie eventually moved to La Porte after graduating in 1966, from Mooresville High School.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Frank Horvath of Corbin, Kentucky, brothers Steve Strawder of Bonita Springs, Florida, Jerry “Pete” Strawder of Mooresville, Indiana, and one sister, Jan Kinnett (Alan) of Mooresville, IN, She is survived by her 3 sons, Charles Watterson III (Audra), Tim Watterson (Melissa), both of La Porte, and Benjamin Watterson, of Apex, North Carolina. and her beloved grandchildren Charles Watterson IV, Madeline Watterson, Jake Watterson, Emma Shei (Nick), Jared Watterson, Grantland Watterson, and Sadie Watterson, and great-granddaughter Eleanor Watterson.

Visitation will be held from 10 AM to 12 noon on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, Indiana.

A funeral service will follow the visitation at 12 Noon in the Funeral Home.

Private burial will be held in Mooresville, Indiana.

Memorial contributions may be made to Dunes Hospice, 4711 Evans Avenue, Valparaiso, Indiana, 46383.

To light a virtual candle, share a story of Evelyn’s life, or leave a message of comfort for her family, please visit esslingfuneralhome.com.

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