Lenora Larson was born in 1943 in Traverse City, Michigan. Lenora's childhood was spent in the mountains of North Carolina, where she gained her love of botany and wildlife. Lenora was a proud ‘science geek’ with a degree in microbiology from Michigan State University and a life-long interest in ecology and the environment.

She was married to Donald Lee Tucker from 1978 until his untimely death in an automobile accident in 2007. They were the perfect match, sharing interests in gardening, livestock, cooking and art. She is survived by her stepson Jason Tucker of Overland Park, KS.

Lenora was a Marais des Cygnes Extension Master Gardener and member of local chapters of both the Idalia Butterfly Society and Kansas Native Plant Society. Her greatest pride was her certified butterfly garden on her 27- acre property, Long Lips Farm, in rural Paola, Kansas.

Lenora wrote about butterflies for several publications and frequently presented to gardening and nature groups, including tours of her gardens. She was well-known for wearing purple and liberally using purple in her gardens. Her avowed mission in life was to convince others to be nicer to insects.

As she wished, Lenora will be cremated and her ashes spread on her gardens at Long Lips Farm. Donations may be made in her name to Monarch Watch in Lawrence, KS.