LaDonna Lee (Karns) Hensley, 95, passed away Sunday, November 17, 2019 in Hill City. She was born May 31, 1924, in the family home, Ada, Kansas. She was the second child of Alfred “Barney” and Hazel Belle (Jones) Karns. She grew up with her siblings: Roger Max, who died at 15 of a burst appendix, Cheryl and Jim.
Following high school, LaDonna attended cosmetology school in Salina and landed her first job in Plainville. In 1942, at a USO sponsored dance, her fun-loving manner and beauty attracted the admiring eye of an Army Air Corps pilot, George Hensley of Zurich. They were united in marriage August 6, 1944 in Salina. It is reported that as they were leaving the ceremony, LaDonna’s dad took George by the arm and said, “You better take good care of her.” George held true to his promise. The couple were blessed with two children: Mitchell “Mitch” and Marcia.
The sudden loss of George was devastating but the loss of her only son, Mitch, was the most difficult and nearly unbearable thing for this loving mother, especially since he left this life on her birthday. Before his passing he would often call his mother to visit and ask if she was “butterflying” which meant that she was often embroidering squares for a butterfly patterned quilt. For this reason, LaDonna cherished seeing a butterfly or receiving a butterfly gift.
She was appointed to the Dawson Place Board of Directors when it opened in 1964. In 1977, she resigned from the board and was hired as business manager and bookkeeper. In 1978, she became the Administrator of Dawson Place, retiring in 1997. She again became a board member until her passing.
LaDonna enjoyed bridge clubs as well as being on a winning ladies’ bowling team. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and an active member of the Hill City Christian Church. Not only will she be remembered as an accomplished strong, caring businesswoman, sister and friend, but more importantly a loving, fun, amazing grandmother, who had no limits to what she was willing to do for her children and grandchildren.
Preceding her in death were her husband and son; sister Cheryl and brother Roger Max. She is survived by her brother Jim Karns of Plainville; her daughter, Marcia (Tim) Pyle of Hutchinson; daughter-in-law Brenda Hensley, Gallatin, Missouri; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.