Joy Wood Henley

Memorial services for Joy Wood Henley, 90, Lawrence, KS, will be held at 2:30 p.m. Friday, February 11, 2022, at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence with a visitation starting at 1:30 p.m. Inurnment will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lawrence at a later date. Joy passed away Tuesday, February 1, 2022, at her home surrounded by her children.

Joy was born on July 14, 1931, in Clay Center, KS, the daughter of James G. and Pearl M. (Cox) Wood. Joy was the youngest of six siblings raised on the family farm. She attended the University of Kansas where she met her future husband. She married Ralph George (R. G.) Henley on December 24, 1951, in Clay Center, KS.  He preceded her in death on April 27, 2013.

As the spouse of a military officer, Joy was proficient in a multitude of skills and was fondly referred to as the “Commander in Chief” long after her husband’s military retirement in 1970, when the family returned to Lawrence. The home was filled with laughter, acceptance, and great stories. Beloved by her family and many others, she informally adopted her children’s friends. She was known for her big heart, excellent family meals and bringing people together.

Survivors include four daughters, Elizabeth H. Henley, of Lawrence, Katherine (Jerry) Arensdorf, of Colby, KS, Victoria Henley, of Lawrence, KS, Margaret Henley, of Lawrence, KS; a son, Richard Henley, of Lawrence, KS; five grandchildren, Amanda Henley, Crystal Henley, Kristen Arensdorf, Ryan Arensdorf, Devereux Henley; and four great grandchildren, Rocky, Riley, Alacia, Josephine and another one on the way.

Joy was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and siblings. She was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials in Joy’s name to the Trinity Interfaith Food Pantry (TIFP) and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13^th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.