Leola Henderson

Leola Henderson, age 104, of Garnett, passed away Sunday, June 15, 2025, at Parkview Heights in Garnett.

She was born March 11, 1921, in Ringwood, Okla., the daughter of Elmer and Ida (Volz) McDermeit. Leola grew up in Oklahoma and graduated from Ringwood High School, and also attended Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, Oklahoma.

During World War II, Leola worked for four years at North American Aviation in Kansas City. Though her time there was relatively brief, she took great pride in contributing to the war effort and was honored to be part of such a significant moment in history.

Leola was united in marriage to Paul Henderson in 1947. This union was blessed with one son, David. They made their home in Iola.

She lived in Garnett from 1990 until 1993, when she returned to Iola and worked at Maloney Greenhouse. Leola returned to Garnett in September 1999.

She was a devoted and loving mother to her only son, David, and took great pride in raising him. Leola was deeply committed to David’s education and success, forming a close and unbreakable bond with him throughout his life. Their shared memories — especially their treasured Sunday drives and heartfelt conversations — remained a vital part of her life. These moments, filled with laughter and reflections, brought her immense joy. Later in life, Leola found one of her greatest joys in becoming a grandmother. She adored making memories with her grandchildren, hosting sleepovers, and creating a warm and loving home they always looked forward to visiting. Leola had a passion for cooking and was known for her delicious meals, never missing a breakfast for her husband and son. Her homemade dinner rolls were especially loved— always made to perfection and remembered fondly by family and friends. She also discovered a new hobby of restoring old trunks, and many people in the area still treasure them today. Leola was an active member of Iola’s First Christian Church. She generously gave her time to the community, assisting with Cub Scouts and serving as a dedicated room mother during David’s school years.

Leola was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Paul Henderson in 1979; her brother, Clifford McDermeit; J.R. McDermeit; and sister, Anna Rose Smith.

She is survived by her son, Dr. David Henderson and wife Edna of Garnett; grandchildren, Brenda Platt and husband Scott of Colby, Steve Henderson and wife Misty of Oklahoma City, Nicci Denny and husband Shawn of Garnett; eight great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren; a very special niece, Linda McDermeit, and many other nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 3, at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel in Garnett. Inurnment will follow in the Colony Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Parkview Heights and left in care of the funeral home.

Condolences may be sent to www.feuerbornfuneral.com