Sandy Oliver

OLYMPIA, Wash. -- Sandra "Sandy" Jean Oliver was born Aug. 24, 1940, in Cape Girardeau. She grew up in the town of Illmo (Scott City). Sandy was the only daughter of a single mother, Mozelle Oliver, but grew up surrounded by her large extended family.

She was a good student and participated in many school activities, including the high-school marching band, where she played the drums. She attended Southeast Missouri State University and was a bass drummer in the Golden Eagles Marching Band.

Sandy knew Paul Wayne Hensly in high school, but it wasn't until college that they were set up on a date by mutual friends, Joe and Barbara Goodman. Sandy and Paul were married Sept. 12, 1964, in Illmo. They went on to raise four children and follow Paul's job across the country: Kansas City, Missouri; Denver; Salt Lake City; Surprise, Arizona; and last stop, Olympia.

Sandy's hobbies included bowling, golf, quilting, travel and genealogy. Most importantly, though, was her faith, which carried her through all of the many seasons of life. In every city she lived, she found a church community. She was a deacon at Grace Community Church in Surprise. Church services and Bible studies were always a source of great comfort and joy in the best of times and the worst of times.

In recent years, caring for her husband who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2010, she demonstrated an unparalleled level of strength, love and dedication through what was, undoubtedly, the biggest challenge of her life. Sandy, along with the rest of the family, have subsequently become very involved in the local Alzheimer's community, participating in numerous groups, conferences and meeting many other local families also impacted by the disease.

Sandy passed away peacefully Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017, at Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia, surrounded by family.

She is survived by her husband, Paul Hensley; sons, Todd Hensley and Timothy (Sara) Hensley; daughters, Stephanie (Oliver) Hurd and Stacia Hensley; and grandchildren, Eden Wicks and Reed Hensley.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Mozelle Oliver; daughter, Paula Hensley; uncle and aunt, Glenn and Martha Elliott; and cousin, Mary Ellen Hoffman.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at Hope Community Church, 2425 Black Lake Blvd. SW, Turnwater, WA 98512.

Memorial donations may be made to the church or to South Sound Alzheimer's Council online at www.southsoundalzheimerscouncil.org.

Obituary courtesy of Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Scott City.