Sue Hensley

Shelba Sue (Cravens) Hensley was born on June 25, 1936, on a farm a few miles outside of Hartville, Missouri. She was one of eight children born to Samuel and Ola (Claxton) Cravens. Sue departed this life for her heavenly home on September 2, 2026, at the age of 90.

Sue was known for her bright smile, outgoing and ornery personality, good humor, and strong work ethic. Throughout her life, she worked hard at every task before her, whether in her home, in the workplace, or on the farm. She worked for the H.D. Lee Company for several years, as well as at the License Bureau and the post office in later years. However, there was no work she loved more than farming.

In her earlier years, Sue and her husband, Jerry, raised feeder pigs. She also enjoyed having cattle and even had dairy cows for a time. Each summer, she tended to a large garden and canned vegetables, providing for her family through her dedication and hard work.

Sue was also very athletic. She played softball and especially excelled at bowling, becoming known far and wide for her skill with a bowling ball. She bowled a perfect 300 game at Sherm Lollar Lanes in Springfield, Missouri, and was the first woman to do so in Springfield.

In 1957, Sue was united in marriage to Jerry Hensley. Together they became the parents of six sons. Sue loved supporting and watching her boys as they played sports, and she continued that same proud support as her grandchildren grew and participated in their own activities. She also had a special love for rocking her grandbabies and would sit in the rocking chair for hours holding them close.

Sue is survived by her sons, Alan Hensley and wife, Carol, of Platte City, Missouri; Jeff Hensley and wife, Lisa, of Hartville, Missouri; Mike Hensley and wife, Kathy, of Hartville, Missouri; John Hensley and fiancée, Ronda, of Ash Grove, Missouri; and Matt Hensley of Buffalo, Missouri; four granddaughters, Suzie Smith and her late husband, Brian, of Kearney, Missouri; Brittany McCune and husband, Justin, of Seymour, Missouri; Katie Epley and husband, Shawn, of Clarksville, Tennessee; and Jordan Lada and husband, Frank, of Mountain Grove, Missouri; one grandson, Seth Hensley and wife, Laken, of Springfield, Missouri, seven great-grandchildren, Abby Smith, Carter Smith, Mirabell Epley, Josie Epley, Quinn McCune, Joie Lada, and Warner Hensley.

Sue is also survived by her sister, Linda Blankenship and husband, Glen, of Mountain Grove, Missouri; two brothers, Larry Cravens and wife, Nancy, of Lebanon, Missouri, and Jerry Cravens and wife, Kathy, of Belton, Missouri; along with a host of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Hensley; her parents, Sam and Ola Cravens; her beloved son, James Hensley; two sisters, Wilda Peterman and Wanda Cope; and two brothers, Jack Cravens and Gene Cravens.

Those who were fortunate enough to know Sue admired her joyful spirit and friendly nature. She will be greatly missed as a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association in care of the funeral home.