Elsie Mitchell Hensley

On September 30, Elsie Mitchell Hensley, passed away at her home in Yuma, Arizona at the age of 88.

Survivors are 2 daughters; Pamela Hensley of Tulsa, Ok and Carla Painter and husband Ronnie of Bristow, Ok. Two step-children that were like her own; Marianne Williams, and Patrick Williams. Brothers, Lawrence Rigney 97 years young from Checotah OK. Leroy Rigney of Seguin TX, 7 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. A “adopted grandson” Sonny Garwood, a special friend that’s there for her Stephanie Beckenthal and “her person” Peggy Reynolds as well as a host of nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, first husband Joe, and her second husband; Claude, step daughter Claudia Williams, grandson Eric, 9 brothers and sisters.

She was born in Rentiesville, OK., to George and Bertha Adams Rigney, she was the tenth of twelve children in a sharecropper’s family. As a child growing up she helped with the daily farm chores.

She married Elzo “Joe” Hensley and they made their home in Henryetta. After Joe died Elsie joined a group of women who travel across the county and stayed in the RV Parks to enjoy each other’s company. She was very active and enjoyed life. She met her second husband; Claude and they were together for over 20 years. She was a very independent and some of her passions were cooking, reading, traveling, politics and family. Elsie stayed independent until her death and was loved by many. She never met a stranger and will be missed by all.

A memorial service will be held at the Okmulgee Cemetery at 11 a.m. on Saturday October 27 with Rev. Roland Youngberg, officiating.

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