Norma Jean “Jeanne” Torneden

On the wings of a Jayhawk, Norma Jean “Jeanne” Campbell Torneden, 83, went to be with her heavenly father, her loving husband, parents and siblings on December 2, 2024. The family will host a Celebration of Life on Friday, December 6, 2024 from 6-8 pm at Warren-McElwain Mortuary; 120 W 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044. In Jeanne’s honor, please wear KU apparel to celebrate her favorite team. Her ashes will be spread on her husband, Floyd Torneden’s grave, at a later date.

“Jeanne” was born on September 21, 1941 in Holton, Kansas, the youngest of the five children of Winfred Harold and Lorena Alma Shoup Abbott.

Jeanne was a member of the Lone Star Church of the Brethren. Her formative years were spent in Eudora, Kansas until she met and married her husband, Floyd Frederick Torneden on March 27, 1964. They shared almost 42 years of marriage before he went to be with the Lord on November 9, 2005.

Jeanne had a strong faith in her Lord and Savior and her faith was a constant rock for her. She worked for the University of Kansas for 22 years and retired in December 2004. Jeanne loved Jayhawk Athletics especially basketball and never gave up on them. She also loved working jigsaw puzzles, sudoku and playing any board games with her grandchildren and friends, or cards with anyone who would join her. She enjoyed the girls trips with her daughters going anywhere and spending time with her loving family.

Survivors include three daughters, Janet Robb Kessler (Jerry), Perry, KS, Cheryl Robb Johnson (Dana), Fernandina Beach, FL and Jeanne Torneden Waisner (Scott), Lawrence, KS, and two sons, Fred Torneden (Deb) Manhattan, KS, and Lee Torneden of Baldwin City, KS. She leaves a legacy of 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her mother in 2005, her father in 2012, her son Jon Torneden in 2021, two brothers, Donald Eugene Campbell in 1976, Gerald Ray Campbell in 2011 and two sisters, Virginia Lee Bourgeault in 2007, Geraldine Faye Coleman in 2010.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lone Star Church of the Brethren or St. Croix Hospice and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.

Online condolences may be sent to www.warrenmcelwain.com

5 Condolences

  1. Sheila Warren on December 3, 2024 at 5:13 pm

    I don’t know what to say. I’m going to miss her so much. She made my days so much better. I enjoyed her enthusiasm, spunk, and her company. She’s really going to be missed by so many. Sending her family much love.



  2. Gary Kennedy on December 3, 2024 at 8:54 pm

    Sorry fot your loss she was my second mom all my live. Have so many great memories of her. She will be missed sending our love to the family.



  3. John Renick on December 4, 2024 at 8:53 am

    So sorry to hear of Jeanne’s passing. I have a lot of great memories from back in the 1970’s when I drove for her and Floyd. Couldn’t have found any better people to work for. RIP Jeanne.



  4. Bea Simpson on December 4, 2024 at 9:22 am

    My heart is in so much pain. I was very close to Jeanne since 1954,
    I will miss her so, so much.
    We did so many things together that i cannot list all of them here.
    So much fun, so much nuisance, so much getting into trouble
    ALL THE TIME!!!
    I will never, never be the same person without my Jeanne again.
    Rest in peace my love. You are with God and the angels now.
    Hopefully I’ll get to be with you in heaven when it’s my time to
    join you.



  5. Nadine Peaches on December 4, 2024 at 10:16 am

    I am so sorry for your loss. I loved and enjoyed taking care of her. I will miss her.



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