Norma Ann Henley died Tuesday, July 4, 2023, in her home in Lawrence, KS.
She was born December 30, 1942 to Ina (Failor) and Charles Arnett and was raised on a farm near Waverly, Kansas. She graduated from Melvern High School and then attended Emporia State University and Ottawa University, graduating with a BS in Business. During the summers, she would work at Hallmark Cards in Emporia and Lawrence.
In 1964 she married John “Don” North and was married for four years until his death in 1968. At that time she started her long-term employment with The University of Kansas. For over 50 years Norma helped many students with their admission process to the university; starting in the Department of Admissions and ending her tenure in the school of Medicinal Chemistry. She was well known at The University of Kansas and received several awards for her service at the university: Honorary Membership to the Kansas Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, Appreciation Plaque from the KU Department of Athletics, and the Student Service Award from the KU Department of Athletics. She officially retired from the University of Kansas in April 2021.
In 1973 she married Jerome “Jerry” Henley. He survives of the home. They recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at home with a large card shower from family and friends. Norma and Jerry had one child together (Tamara Heishman), but she also helped raise two stepchildren (Debbie Husted and Joanie Pearson).
Norma was known for being involved in the community and keeping busy with many activities. She was a foods project leader for 4-H, Matron for the Pleasant View Junior Grange, helped prepare photos for the Kennedy Elementary yearbook and classroom volunteer for six years, volunteered at the Lawrence Visitor Center and Red Cross, was the Kansas State Grange Deaf Activities Director, Kansas State Grange Lecturer, a KU/Haskell Mentor, and a number of community service projects. Her hobbies included camping, crafting, square dancing, and babysitting her grand dog (Gus).
Survivors include her husband, Jerry Henley; sister, Carol Arnett of Lawrence, KS; brother, Francis Arnett (Linda) of Lenexa, KS; daughter, Tamara Heishman (Richard) of Lenexa, KS; stepdaughter, Debbie Husted (Kurt) of Lawrence, KS; stepdaughter, Joanie Pearson (Michael) of Eudora, KS. Norma had seven step-grandchildren and five step great grandchildren.
Norma was proceeded in death by her mother Ina, father Charles and first husband John “Don”.
Family will receive visitors on Monday, July 10, 2023 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home from 9:00am-10:00am. A funeral service will be held at 10:00am following the visitation. All are welcome to join the family graveside at 2:00pm at Pleasant View Cemetery in Agricola, KS.
The family asks that memorial contributions to Visiting Nurses Hospice and American Cancer Association be considered, sent in care of the funeral home. Gifts of flowers can be sent to Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.
