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Lenore Henson was one of the first New Mexico women to join the newly organized Women's Army Corps as a private in 1942. She served in the South Pacific during World War II having gained the rank of sergeant. After the war, she used the G.I. Bill to obtain a degree from Southern Methodist University. She then enlisted in the Air Force Reserves and was called into active duty as a lieutenant in 1950. She served 26 years in the Air Force, rising to the rank of full colonel as a comptroller. She served in England, France, Germany, and Japan, as well as Texas, Washington D.C., Virginia, and California. After retirement in 1974, she was active in her neighborhood association and the Republican Party, especially during the Senate Campaigns of Pete Domenici and Harrison Schmitt; and the Congressional Campaign of Steven Schiff. She also served as chairman of the New Mexico Convention of the International Women's Year in 1978. She was born in 1921 in Henrietta, TX, the daughter of Bryan and Della Henson. She graduated from Roswell High School in 1939, having worked at odd jobs while attending school throughout most of the great depression. She died of lung failure at St. Joseph's Hospital on June 9, 2000. Visitation will be Tuesday, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., at French Mortuary, University Blvd. Chapel, 1111 University Blvd. NE. Memorial service will be Wednesday, 7 p.m. at the same location. Interment of cremains will be Thursday, 2:30 p.m., at Santa Fe National Cemetery. She is survived by her four sisters: Estelle Goodrich and husband, Samuel, Laverne H. Rison of Albuquerque, Patsy Ruth Underwood and husband, Bill of Ft. Worth, TX, Jonette Ballmer of Clearwater, FL, as well as 15 nieces and nephews. Should friends desire contributions can be made to the New Mexico Veterans Memorial Fund, P.O Box 21037, 87154. French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE.
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