Josephine (Jo) Hensley

Josephine (Jo) Ruth Hensley, 101, from Duncan, passed away on Oct. 16, 2023 from natural causes.

Jo was born on Jan. 13, 1922, and was the youngest of three children born to Richard T.. Fletcher and Leapha Fletcher from Mud Creek, Oklahoma. She grew up helping her family farm their land, and she graduated from high school in 1940 from Ringling High School.

Jo married Euther (Mike) Hensley on January 1, 1944, in Waurika. Together they raised five children: Don Leach, Jimmy Dale (JD), Jerry, Kay, and Billy Joe (BJ) Hensley. The family continued living the “good life” on the family farm outside of Comanche, next door to Jo’s parents until eventually moving into town in 1973. Jo and Mike were married for 49 years and raised a beautiful family together.

Jo learned to sew from her mother as a child, and her love of sewing became her livelihood as an adult. She made most of her children’s clothes, and while living in Comanche, Jo worked at Aranson’s Dress Shop in Duncan as a seamstress and in sales. Later, she continued this work from sewing dresses for her granddaughters and making alterations until retiring in 1988.

Jo was preceded in death by her husband Mike (1983), her son Jimmy Dale (2007), and her grandsons Tracy (2018) and Kyle (2021). She is survived by her children Don, Jerry, Kay, and BJ, as well as their spouses. She is surrounded in loved by her 10 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 15 great-great grandchildren. While her body slowly failed her in recent years, her mind and her heart did not. Jo had an excellent memory and made sure of her of children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren knew she loved them and remembered them on holidays, anniversaries, and birthdays. She never missed the opportunity to send a card, and these small gifts will always be treasured.

Jo’s life was full, honest, and complete. The legacy she leaves is unmatched, and we are all lucky to have had her in our lives for so many years.

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. on Oct. 19, 2023 at Fairlawn Cemetery in Comanche.

Online condolences may be sent to comanchefh@pldi.net.