Winonah ‘Nona’ Henning, 98

A graveside funeral service for Winonah “Nona” Henning, 98, of Gainesville, was held Nov. 17, 2025, at the Lutie Cemetery in Theodosia.

She died Nov. 15, at Hospice House in Mountain Home, Arkansas, following a hip injury. She was born April 11, 1927, in Mammoth. She was the daughter of Jesse and Florence LouRannie (Harper) Mahan and a graduate of Gainesville High School. She married Robert “Bob” Henning of Selah, Washington, on May 23, 1947, in Reno, Nevada.

Nona was fiercely independent and tough as nails. Even at 98, she lived on her own, cooked her own meals and built her own wood fires. She didn’t like asking for help, but she would gladly empty her bank account or make a homemade meal to ensure others were cared for and fed. And if that wasn’t enough, she would pray over you, even if you didn’t ask.

Nona was a woman of deep and unwavering faith. She led by example, showing everyone around her how to live a life devoted to Christ. Her Bible was well-worn from years of study and reflection, and she truly lived out Romans 12:2: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Her life was a testament to living faithfully, boldly, and with love.

She didn’t need the latest fashions, the internet or a cell phone to live a meaningful life. In fact, she thrived better than most. She knew how to garden, can her own food and live off the land. Her grandkids affectionately called her the “Pioneer Grandma.” And woe to any armadillo that dared enter her garden; Nona would grab it by the tail and send it flying against a tree, no gloves or gun required.

If you’ve never worn a pair of “Grandma Nona’s famous booties,” you’re missing out on what it truly means to have warm feet in the winter. She crocheted these cozy house shoes for everyone, and they remain cherished treasures to all who received them. A talented quilter as well, she made sure every grandchild had one or two quilts to keep—and to pass on her legacy of warmth and creativity.

Nona met her late husband, Bob, after he returned from his Army service, when they both worked at a factory in California. Their journey together took them to Washington, Gainesville and Kansas City before returning “to the farm.” When Bob suffered a stroke, Nona devoted herself to caring for him, raising their children and maintaining their home and 40 acres with remarkable love and strength until his death in 1982.

She is survived by her daughter, Sandy Young, and her husband, Jerry, of Chickamauga, Georgia; two sons: Garry Henning and wife Ramona of Gainesville and Jerry Henning and wife Sherry of Bradleyville; grandchildren: Tara Simpson and husband Chris of Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, Tasha Walton and husband Casey of Huntsville, Alabama, Tory Young and wife Veronica of Carterton, New Zealand, Jennifer Crane and husband Mike of Morris, Alabama, Karen Hubbard and husband Yancy of Gainesville, Rachael Deatherage and her husband Brian of Prairie Grove, Arkansas, Jessica Wentworth and husband Larry of Mountain Home, Arkansas, James Henning and wife Valerie of Forsyth, Ray Henning and wife Amber of Theodosia, Myriah Wallace and husband Cody of West Plains, Sarah Nash and husband Dalton of Gainesville, Robert “Isaac” Henning and wife Sydney of Forsyth; 27 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; her brother Charles Mahan; and many special friends, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brother Vearl Mahan; five sisters: Fern Leek, Muriel Hale, Wanda Byron, Mary Lou Myers and Shirley Garrison; and three infant brothers.

Arrangements are under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Ozarks or St. Jude’s.