Betty Jean Hensley, 89, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 12:45 P.M. Sunday October 20, 2024, at her home. She was born January 17, 1935, in Byrdstown, TN, the daughter of Hiram “Woody” Byrd and Ella (Huddleston) Byrd. She married John Edward Hensley, and he preceded her in death.
She is survived by two daughters, Patricia (Neil) Heiman of Weed, CA and Julie Hensley of Hoopeston, IL; one sister, Barb Rutledge of FL; four grandchildren, Matthew Lewman of IA, and Paige, Lance, and Chase Hensley all of Hoopeston, IL; three great-grandchildren, Kah’mariontae Cooper, and Audra and Ariah Hensley; and one nephew, Mike Hurst.
In addition to her husband, Betty was preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, Sherri Lewman; and one son, John Hensley.
Betty worked at Schumacher Electric in Hoopeston for twenty years. She enjoyed gardening, painting, sewing, cooking, and crafting.
Betty was so devoted to her family. She was as loving as she was stern. She never hesitated when it came to speaking her mind about how she felt about you or her beliefs.
There’s nothing she wouldn’t do for the ones she loved. I used to always say that if I was stranded in Australia at 3am, I could call her because I knew she would come get me.
Cooking and crafts were her love language. She made the best peanut butter fudge and sugar cookies. She grew up with very little and she remained frugal until the end of her days. She made everything from scratch, even her ketchup! She never sent a store-bought card for birthdays or holidays; they were all handmade “by El”. That was the nickname she was given years ago by her kids. Short for “El Niño”, it was given to her because every time she went to visit them in California, it would rain. She found joy going to rummage sales and goodwill, trying to score any deals she could find. She also enjoyed going to the casinos. She loved to gamble and always seemed to have very good luck! She adored her dog, Chance. She treated him as if he were one of her children, even hand feeding him at times. She refused to let go until we promised her that her dog would be well taken care of.
California was her second home. She found solitude in the west coast, especially in the mountains of northern California, where she lived for several years before returning to Illinois 2 years ago. Death Valley was her favorite place, and she always said that when she passed away, she would like to be cremated and have her ashes scattered there throughout.
She was the best mother to all of her kids, and an even better grandmother. She was so beautiful and forgiving. After losing 2 of her own children, she still loved as if her own heart wasn’t broken. We’re so happy that they are all reunited again. We love you big bunches El.
Per her wishes, cremation rites will be accorded, and services will be held at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made in memory of Betty to Heritage Health Therapy and Senior Living, 423 N. Dixie Highway, Hoopeston, IL 60942.
Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com to view Betty’s eternal tribute page and to send the family condolences.