Henrietta Lorene Moden

Henrietta Lorene (Ehrichs) Moden passed away on May 11, 2023, at Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital in WaKeeney, KS. She was born on January 12, 1937, to Bertha Alice (Tilton) Ehrichs and Henry Arthur Ehrichs in Hays, KS. As Henry had been killed in an auto accident the prior year, Bertha’s father, Elmer Tilton from Collyer, was with her at the time of Henrietta’s birth.

Henrietta “Henri” was raised in WaKeeney with her brothers, Ross Ehrichs and Marvin Martin, by her mother and stepfathers - James Martin, who passed when Henri was in high school, and then Miles Hubalek. She was active in the band and numerous school organizations and graduated from Trego Community High School with the Class of 1955.

Henri married Ernest Carpenter Moden “Ernie” on August 7, 1955, in WaKeeney, KS. She became a “farm wife” and raised their five children: Joleen, Sheryl, Eric, Lisa and Christine at the Moden Family Homestead. Henri was always busy with the kids’ 4-H, school projects, and served as a 4-H Club Leader and sponsor for many school activities. She also kept busy with the organizations she belonged to: First Methodist Church of WaKeeney, including Church Choir, Harmony Club, Big Creek Golf Course, TCLMH Auxiliary, TCHS Alumni Association, especially Class of 1955. As the grandchildren became active in school, sports, and 4-H, she was always there to cheer them on.

Henri enjoyed playing Bridge, swimming, water aerobics, taking care of her yard, traveling to see family members, socializing with the golf ladies, and she loved her ladies’ birthday club lunches, and loved to talk. In 2003, she and Ernie became snowbirds and began traveling to Texas for a couple of months each year for golf and other activities. She learned to become a good cook and was famous for her potato salad, puff caramel corn, and Christmas candies. She made her kids’ clothing and made sure they learned how to swim.

Left to survive Henri is her son, Eric Moden (Juli) of WaKeeney; daughters: Joleen Moden (Ron Bourland) of Pilot Point, TX, Sheryl Hillman (Stan) of WaKeeney, Lisa Moden of Whitesboro, TX, and Christine Deines (Dean) of Austin, TX; brother, Marvin Martin (Jayne) of Minneapolis, KS; 8 grandchildren: Levi Hillman (Ashley), Libby Kovarik (Wacey), Molly Moden, Miles Moden, Mitchel Kroeger (Meghan), Alise Gosselin (Brandon), Matthew Bourland (Kalyn), and Amanda Bourland; and 7 great-grandchildren: Wyatt Hillman, Denton Kovarik, Ryal, Rori and Reverie Gosselin, and Lux and Westley Kroeger.

She is preceded in death by her parents and stepfathers; husband, Ernie; and brother Ross Ehrichs.

Henri was greatly loved and will be greatly missed. Her love, her intelligence, her faith, and her compassion helped raise an amazing family, and impacted the lives of all who knew her. Whether life was dealing an easy hand or a difficult one, we all learned how to live with amazing grace, joy, and happiness. She will be remembered in love.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at 10:00 AM at First United Methodist Church in WaKeeney, KS. Burial will follow in the WaKeeney City Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday evening 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the church.

Memorials are suggested to First United Methodist Church or Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N. 1st, Stockton, KS 67669.