Genola Lu Offner

Genola Lu Offner, 86, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2025, at Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas. She was born on October 10, 1938, in Edmond, Kansas, to Louis and Hildred (Zimmerman) Harting. On June 23, 1962, she was united in marriage to Kenneth Offner in Edmond, Kansas, beginning a lifelong journey of love and devotion.
Genola took immense pride in her career as an educator and found great joy in shaping young minds. She spent three years teaching third grade in Colby, Kansas, before continuing her passion for education as a second-grade teacher in Beaver Creek, Ohio, for two years. Even after retiring from full-time teaching, her dedication to children never wavered. She continued working as a teacher's aide for several years, sharing her warmth and wisdom with countless students.
Beyond the classroom, Genola cultivated a love for gardening and music. She found solace and fulfillment in tending to her vegetable garden and was a gifted musician, playing both the piano and accordion with remarkable skill. Her deep commitment to family was evident in the unwavering care she showed her loved ones. She made it a priority to visit her mother in Norton, Kansas, twice a week, every week, until her passing, demonstrating her steadfast devotion and love.
Genola was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Hildred Harting; her brother, Frank Harting; her sisters, Mary Boddy and Sylvia Voss; her son-in-law, Karl "Rick" Haugen; and her grandson, Brandon Haugen.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 62 years, Kenneth Offner of Kansas; her son, Bryan (Kim) Offner of Colorado; her daughter, Nancy Haugen of Florida; her cherished grandchildren, Michelle (Andrew) Piccarelli, Bradley Haugen, and Brian Haugen; and her brother, Roger (Penny) Harting of Missouri, and one great-grandchild, Ella Piccarelli.
A graveside service will be held at WaKeeney City Cemetery, South 13th and South Ave., WaKeeney, KS, on March 17, 2025, at 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Ogallah Christian Church. Donations may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N. 12th St., WaKeeney, KS 67672.
To share memories or express condolences, please visit www.schmittfuneral.com.