Gene Hensley peacefully passed away to be with Jesus on January 25, 2023, at the age of 96. She was born on July 22, 1926 to Tom and Dorothy Hooper in Weymouth, England. After Gene attended boarding school as a child, she decided to become a nurse and trained with the Nightingales. Shortly after, she left for Canada where she had relatives living in Calgary. Along the way she met Reginald Lewis Hensley, and they were married in 1959. They went on to have two sons, Darcy and Shawn Hensley. In 1964, the family moved to Goleta, California where Gene continued to work as a Registered Nurse at Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital. Later, the family moved again to the Fresno area where she worked as a nurse at Valley Children’s Hospital and Valley Medical Center until she retired.

Gene was known as a hard worker, who set an example encouraging others. She was generous with both her time and resources: she volunteered her skills as a Hospice nurse, and also organized an annual blood drive at Hope Lutheran Church as well as organizing and directing the Food Pantry there. Gene donated to many non-profit organizations throughout her life, including the Mono Lake Committee, the Wildlife Foundation and others concerning environmental conservation. She also gave to non-profit organizations that focused in the health industry like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, March of Dimes, and the American Cancer society, and in humanitarian aide like St. Labre Indian School, the Fresno Rescue Mission, and American Vets, along with many others.

Gene lived life to the fullest and enjoyed many hobbies. She was a prolific reader, gardener, and enjoyed playing Bridge with her friends. She camped often throughout California and loved traveling the world to explore new places. Most of all, she enjoyed God’s creation and passed on that love of nature to her children. As she aged, she enjoyed long drives in the foothills and mountains, and especially soft-serve ice cream as a treat.

Gene Hensley is laid to rest at Hope Lutheran Church in Fresno, California. She leaves behind her two sons, Darcy and Shawn, her granddaughter Kristen, and her four great-grandchildren Alexander, Adam, Lillian, and Katie.

The Dearest Mom this world could hold,

Treasured memories as we grow old,

Silent thoughts true and tender,

Just to show we still remember.

From your loving family.

Behold I send an angel before you, to keep you in the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared. Exodus 23:20.

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