Lenora graduated from Forgan High School in 1944, and attended Panhandle A&M (Panhandle State University) in Goodwell, Oklahoma, for two years. She then married John “Irish” McNabb on July 17, 1946, with a double wedding ceremony in Liberal. They made their home in Forgan, Oklahoma, had three children, and moved to Liberal in 1955, where she resided the rest of her life.
She continued her education at Panhandle A&M (Panhandle State University) and graduated with a History Degree in 1958. She then began a career as a kindergarten teacher primarily at McDermott Elementary School in Liberal, Kansas, for 36 years, retiring in 1991. She had many life long friends in the teaching profession and earned the respect and affection of her many students.
She spent many vacations and weekends camping, boating, and fishing with her family and friends including water skiing! She was an excellent baker making specialty birthday cakes for her grandchildren and pies and rolls for the rest of the family. Lenora enjoyed sewing, crocheting, crewel embroidery, and many other handicrafts throughout her life. Her hands were never still, and she always had a new creation ready for you to take home or give to a friend. She was especially fond of crocheting afghans and making beautiful sequined Christmas stockings. While at Wheatridge Care Center she was constantly making crocheted pot holders and totes for the staff. Lenora was a generous and caring person who will be dearly missed.
Lenora is survived by two daughters, Carol (Robert Jr) Davies of Liberal, Kansas; Cheryl (Clarence) Rogers of Shattuck, Oklahoma; son Larry McNabb of Piedmont, Oklahoma; four grandchildren, Carrie Egan, Sophie Davies, Jason Campbell, and Cheri Allen; seven great grandchildren, Cole, Marin, and Chase Egan, Brittany and Cody Pullen, and Lucas and Logan Campbell; along with five great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, John “Irish” McNabb; sister Evelyn Angleton; two brothers Jack Pierce and Leonard Pierce; and daughter-in-law Kathy McNabb.
The family wants to thank all the staff at Wheatridge Park Care Center for the loving kindness and care they gave to Lenora.
The family will gather in the summer to honor her life.