Edith Ethel Faseler Hensley

Edith Ethel Faseler Hensley, age 96, was surrounded by her loved ones when she went to be with her Heavenly Father on Aug. 9, 2018. 

Ethel was born in Yancey, Texas, on Sept. 28, 1921, to Louis Faseler and Bertha Spellman Faseler.  She graduated as valedictorian from Yancey High School in 1939. She went on to attend Texas State University, where she was a member of Alpha Xi Delta Sorority, the College Glee Club, YWCA, and the Little Symphony Orchestra.  In her sophomore year, she was voted Gaillardian, an award for outstanding and accomplished students. She met and married Debs Benson Hensley of Cameron on Dec. 7, 1940, while they were still students.

Ethel and Debs spent their career years in Waco, Dallas, and San Francisco. Ethel was an Executive Secretary to the Vice President at Collins Radio for 18 years. In 1974, they retired to the Hensley Place in Cameron, Texas, where they were active in many local organizations.  Ethel was a member of the Fleur de Lis Garden Club, the Arts and Service League, the Cameron History Club, The Ladies Hospital Auxiliary and the First United Methodist Church. She was also a charter member of the Jane Wells Woods Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas.

Ethel had a heart for Christ, which was evident in the abundant love she displayed for both family and friends. She was also a woman of dignity and courage, surviving breast cancer in 1971 and a brain tumor in 2003. She loved the sound of laughter, was an amazing cook to all, loved to garden, play bridge, and had a very special sense of humor. As Ethel’s greatest joy was in serving others, we believe that God welcomed her into Heaven with a resounding “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Ethel is survived by her three children, Clyde William Hensley and wife Bunny, Jeanne Hensley Smith, and Debbie Hensley Dryden and husband Mack. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren: Andrew Hensley and wife Hillary; Sandi Malone and husband Rob; Lisa McCall; Carolyn King and husband Jason; Tim Smith and wife Jaime; Steve Smith and wife Jaimy; Andrea Rush; Gerod Rush and wife Amber; James Dryden; and Heather Dryden Foutch and husband Chance. Additionally, she had 12 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Lastly, she is survived by her sister, Frances Wegner of Seguin; her sister-in-law, Carolyn Faseler of Norman, Okla.; and numerous, beloved nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Debs Benson Hensley of Cameron; as well as four sisters, six brothers, and two grandchildren, Christopher Westbrook Hensley and Angell Hensley Smith.

Ethel’s Celebration of Life will be held at the First United Methodist Church, 112 North Travis Avenue in Cameron, at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018. The viewing will be held preceding the service from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with graveside services immediately following at Walker’s Creek Cemetery.