Del Norte resident Emmagene (Erma) Hensley, 71, departed for heaven on August 16, 2014 in Alamosa, CO. Erma was born in London, Ohio, to Ernest Nathaniel and Helen Marie Lawhun Smith, on November 4th, 1942, the fourth daughter of eight children. Erma volunteered for a few years in her family’s restaurant in Del Norte. Those who loved Erma and knew her best, said she had a very positive attitude, was adventurous and lived life to the fullest. Erma’s family knew they could depend on her for support whenever needed. She always made herself available to those she loved and often, others who just needed her help. She loved spending time in the mountains where she would explore the many rivers and streams, rock hunt and four wheel with her family and friends. In her spare time, Erma enjoyed landscape painting and sewing. Erma’s positive attitude shined through even in her last days. One of her last statements was “I’ve had a really good life.”
She is survived by her children Ray Eugene Hensley, Jr. of Weddington, NC, Tammy Lyne Clark and husband, Justin of Alamosa, CO and Danny Ray Hensley and wife, Nickiera of Del Norte, CO; her grandchildren Preston, Miranda, Chelsey, Cassey and Ray Eugene Hensley, III; two great-grandchildren Audrena and Wesley Ray Hensley; her sisters Rosie Pack of Marysville, OH, Caroline Pummel, Joyce Penwell, and Valerie Cosby, all of Springfield, OH; as well as, numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.
Erma is preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Betty Lou Ogle, Buelah McManamay, and her brother Jack Smith and her grandson Wesley Scott Hensley.
Cremation was chosen and Erma was adamant that there be no services. She wants everyone to remember her in happy times and happy ways only. Contributions in her memory may be made to Hospice del Valle, 514 Main St., Alamosa, CO 81101.