Paul and Sandy Hensley

Sandra Jean Oliver Hensley passed away Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017, while her husband, Paul Wayne Henlsey, died Tuesday, July 27, 2021.

Both Paul and Sandy were born in Scott City, Sandy on Aug. 24, 1940, in what was then known as Illmo, and Paul on Nov. 3, 1939..

Paul was the third son of Eskew and Jessie Hensley.

He grew up in a one-bedroom house, short on monetary wealth but long on the virtues of hard work, faith and family. He was an outgoing and popular boy who was a fair student and an exceptional basketball player. He graduated from Fornfelt High School with a basketball scholarship and joined the National Guard, both paying for his college education at Southeast Missouri State University. He graduated with a degree in business and dreams of a life outside rural Missouri.

Sandy was the only child of Mozelle Oliver, a single mother. She grew up among a big, extended family of grandparents, aunts, uncles and beloved cousins. She graduated from Fornfelt High School and took a job as a telephone operator in Cape Girardeau, where her mother worked as well.

In September 1964, Paul and Sandy were married at the Methodist church in Illmo. After the loss of their first child, Paula, in 1965, they moved to Kansas City, Missouri. There were four more children to come and several more relocations, but always love, joy and often chaos.

Paul found great success in business, was an avid golfer and loved to regale others with his many stories. He served for many years on the alumni board of his college fraternity and in civic organizations. Sandy was a wonderful mother, devout Christian, loved to quilt and got quite good at golf in their retirement. She remained very active in church and bible study groups all her life.

In 2011 Paul was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. It began a long and arduous journey for the entire family, but most notably highlighted the unshakable strength of their bond and a wife's quiet but mighty strength of character and love.

Paul and Sandy are survived by their four children, Stephanie (Oliver) Hurd, Todd Hensley, Stacia Hensley and Tim (Sara) Hensley; two grandchildren, Eden Wicks and Reed Hensley; cousin, Bud Elliott, and his children; niece, Debra Hensley Burgess; nephews, Mark Hensley and Charles Hensley, and their families; Sandy's sister, Donna (Rudy) Hoerl, and her family; plus many more extended family and friends.

Celebration of life will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Scott City. Visitation with the family will begin at noon.

A reception will follow at 3 p.m. at The River House Wine Place in Scott City.