Lois Nelson Hensley

Lois Nelson Hensley, 77, of Seneca, IL passed away Sunday, November 14, at her home after a long illness. Although she had many health challenges in recent years, she remained a courageous, strong, and independent personality to the end of her life. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, November 17, 2010 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Seneca and also one hour prior to services on Thursday at the Church. "Celebration of Life Services" will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, November 18, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Seneca with Rev, Kris Zierke officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa. Lois was born in November 28, 1932 to Howard and Mildred (Jameson) Voga in Freedom Township. She attended grade schools in Rollo and Freedom Township and graduated from Serena High School in 1950. After graduation she was employed as a secretary at Farm Bureau in Ottawa where she met Clifford Nelson. They were married on October 27, 1951. He passed away on March 26, 1976. On April 17, 1981, she married James Hensley. He passed away on September 21, 2008. Cliff and Lois were blessed with five children: Deborah, Stephen, Dawn, Diane, and Donna. She was a stay at home mom who was very active and involved in all of her children's school, sports, and church activities. When her children were older she provided in home day care for several Seneca families and was later employed as a secretary at the Seneca Grade School for over 20 years. Her day care families and the faculty, staff, and students at the school all held a special place in her heart. Lois was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church. She was a fan of the Chicago White Sox, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Bears, and the Iowa Hawkeyes. She was as excellent cook and baker and also enjoyed sewing, gardening, attending her grandchildren and great grandchildren's activities and sporting events. She made birthdays and holidays extra special for her family, neighbors and friends. After her retirement she spent many winters at her home in Bradenton, FL. She looked forward to her family visiting there at Easter and enjoyed spending time at the gulf beaches and watching the sunsets. Lois is survived by four daughters: Deborah (Greg) Anderson of Seneca, Dawn Pressler of Coralville, Iowa, Diane Santo of Bradenton, FL, and Donna Nelson of Ottawa; five grandchildren: Chad (Leanne) Anderson of Joliet, Miranda (Jason) Brockman of Verona, IL, Jade Hamelryck of Ottawa, and Seth and Dewey Green of Florida; two great grandsons: Isaac and Ethan Brockman of Verona, IL, who were the "light of her life" and who will dearly miss their Grama Lolo. Also surviving is her step-daughter, Paulette (Robert) Mason of Georgia; five step grandchildren: Amanda and Josh Mason of Georgia, Billy, Paul, and Jonathan Butler of Arizona; and one step granddaughter, Jordan Thompson of Georgia; two sisters: Mavis (Ed) Kelly of Surprise, AZ, and Eunice Peters of Genoa; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, husbands, one son, Stephen on June 19, 1972, a granddaughter, Jasmine in 1994, and a step daughter, Claudette Butler in 2008. Pallbearers will be Russell Voga, Greg Anderson, Chad Anderson, Jason Brockman, Ronald Lambert, and Rob Walters. Honorary pallbearers will be Miranda, Isaac, and Ethan Brockman, Mary and Rob Neimann, and Rich and Rob Osmond. Memorials may be directed to Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Ottawa Regional Hospice, or to the Seneca Public Library. The online guestbook may be viewed and remembrances shared at www.ottawafuneralhome.com. Osborne-Nelson Funeral Home 135 E Lincoln, PO Box 318 Seneca, IL 61360-0318 815-357-6172