Laura Hensley Obituary

Laura Ann Hensley, age 77, passed away on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at her home in Tonganoxie, Kansas, after undergoing treatment for cancer the past four and a half years.

She was born in Smith County, Kansas, on October 11, 1945, the daughter of Richard and Leota (Hays) Horning.

She graduated from Gaylord High School and Fort Hays University in 1967 with a degree in business education. She began her teaching career in small communities in north-central Kansas. She returned to Fort Hays University, where she met her husband and completed her Master of Science degree in 1973.

Laura married Bobby Dee Hensley June 3, 1972 at Gaylord, Smith County, Kansas. They moved to Tonganoxie where both taught high school. They had two sons, Ryan Earl Hensley and Aaron Robert Hensley. Laura and Bob with their sons, had taken many trips to Mexico and the Caribbean islands to scuba dive and snorkel. Her first husband, Bobby, passed away on March 29, 2002.

After teaching in Kansas for 34 years, Laura retired from Tonganoxie High School in 2003. Upon retirement, she continued her traveling, taking many trips to South America, the Far East, North Africa, the Middle East, Portugal and Spain.

Laura married Jerry M. Rinnert on January 15, 2015, retaining her Hensley surname. While they traveled in Europe, Mexico and the Caribbean, Laura and husband Jerry also enjoyed a second home in the Rocky Mountains of Custer County, Colorado.

Laura was a follower of Jesus Christ, her Lord and Savior, and a faithful member of Tonganoxie Christian Church for many years. She always enjoyed attending her sons' activities and their friends, including their reggae band concerts, soccer and kickball games.

Preceding Laura in death were her father Richard, mother Leota, first husband Bobby, and sister-in-law Donna. She is survived by her husband Jerry Rinnert of Tonganoxie, her brother David (Jeanette) Horning of Walsenburg, CO, sons Ryan and Aaron (Megan) Hensley, both of Lawrence, nephew Todd (Staci) Horning of Alamosa, CO, niece Margo Cox of Smith Center, KS, and several great nieces and nephews. Laura loved her family and the many friends she made throughout her life.

Laura's remains will be cremated through Quisenberry Funeral Home. A Memorial Service to celebrate Laura's life will be held at Tonganoxie Christian Church, 204 Washington Street, Tonganoxie, KS 66806 on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at 10:30a.m. Visitation; 11:00 Service.