Evelyn "Carol" Hensley

It’s with our deepest sorrow that we share the unfortunate passing of our dear Carol. Surrounded by her loved ones, Evelyn “Carol” Hensley fell asleep in death at the age of 87 on Monday, June 17th, 2024. Carol, as she liked to be called, was born January 22, 1937, in Phoenix, Arizona, to parents Pauline & Fred “Shorty” Riddle. She grew up alongside her older brother, Earl, whom she loved dearly. She was a cowgirl from the start. Alongside her brother, they took care of the needs of a large herd of cattle with farm chores from sunup to sundown. Side by side, Carol and Earl enjoyed riding horses and caring for the animals.

Carol met and married Howard Hensley in 1955 and lived in Glendale, Arizona. There they raised their son Rob & daughter Cindy before settling in a ranch they built and developed from the ground up behind Lake Pleasant. Their home was a welcoming retreat to all who needed to escape the hustle & bustle of busy daily living. They provided a true western experience for anyone who traveled around the mountainside to their view from the top. Whether it was hay rides and horseback riding to eating fresh from their garden, they provided a life enjoying the simple pleasures with fun and enjoyment for all who visited. Carol truly was a loving breath of fresh air,  showing us what it means to enjoy what’s important in life; Faith, Family & Friendships.

In 2003, Howard & Carol traded cactus desert life for heading to the midwest to be surrounded by oversized green trees & lush vegetation outside Eldon, Mo. Here they created a beautiful homestead fit with horses, dogs, chickens and a lush garden. They enjoyed many years together until the passing of Howard a few years later. After the death of her husband, Carol enjoyed spending the last of her brother Earl's days catching up on treasured memories until his passing 2 years later. Soon after, she experienced the death of her son, Rob. She outlived all her relatives from her generation, but their memories she kept alive. Carol is survived by her daughter Cindy & her husband Greg Harms, along with her 3 grandchildren Jessica, Terra & Kristen and great grand-children, Averi, Alexia & Stella along with her niece and nephews from the Riddle family.

She lived in her home up until the last few weeks, when she was never alone alongside her family. She passed away faithfully, holding firm to the future hope she shared with many, the hope of a promised resurrection on earth when she can experience renewed youth and health along with seeing her dear family and friends (Psalms 37:29). Carol looked forward to a future when she can ride a horse like the wind as she once did in her younger days. This future hope spoken about throughout the Bible was a message of comfort and strength as she relied heavily on her Heavenly Father as he grasped her right hand throughout her life (Isaiah 41:13).

We will no doubt miss her immensely, but she will be thought of fondly with a smile on our face as we reflect on her witty sense of humor, unmatched strength, cowgirl accent and close companionship she provided for her dear friends and family until we see her again.