Marilyn Sue Hensley

Marilyn Sue Hensley, daughter of the late Cleve Harrison Kissinger and Mearl (Maynard) Kissinger, was born on October 27, 1939, in St. Louis, Missouri.

At the age of ten, Marilyn professed her faith and was baptized at Jennings Baptist Church in St. Louis, Missouri. After moving to the Waynesville, Missouri area, she became a dedicated member of Westside Baptist Church, where she faithfully served for many years as a Girls in Action and MOPS (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers) leader and teacher for Sunday School and Vacation Bible School.

As a young girl, Marilyn and her family moved to Swedeborg, Missouri where she grew up and graduated from Richland High School. She continued her education at Central Missouri State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. Marilyn later pursued and obtained her Master's Degree in Special Education from Lindenwood University.

Marilyn devoted 32 years to her teaching career. She began in the Hazelwood School District in St. Louis, where she taught 5th grade at Twillman Elementary, later continuing in the same grade at Bonfils Elementary and serving as Education Specialist during her final year there. After relocating to the Waynesville R-VI School District, she spent nineteen years teaching special education at East Elementary before retiring alongside her husband, Dwight, in 1999.

On May 24, 1958, Marilyn married Dwight Vernon Hensley in Waynesville, Missouri. Their union lasted for over 67 years, and together they were blessed with three children: Jill, Becky, and Jason.

Marilyn enjoyed traveling with her family and was proud to have visited all 50 states. Some of her happiest memories were made on the Gasconade River with Dwight and friends during float trips, where the days were filled with easy laughter, shared stories, and the kind of joy that comes from simply being together. Those river moments became treasured family traditions, remembered for their warmth and fun.

She found joy in shopping with her family, tending to her flower gardens, helping Dwight in the yard and decorating her home with care. Her passion for teaching extended far beyond the classroom and church. Marilyn loved guiding her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, often reading to them and playing games that brought everyone together. Above all, she cherished time with her family, especially her grandchildren, who held a very special place in her heart.

Marilyn passed away on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of 86. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

Marilyn is survived by her husband, Dwight Hensley of Waynesville, MO; two daughters: Jill Kilburn (James) of Springfield, MO, and Rebecca Hensley-Ward of Overland Park, KS; four grandchildren: Mario Medeiros (Ashley) of Republic, MO, Jacqueline Medeiros of Springfield, MO, Joseph Ward of Overland Park, KS, and Julia Ward of Overland Park, KS; two great-grandchildren: Isaac Medeiros and Isabelle Medeiros; as well as several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

In addition to her parents, Marilyn was preceded in death by her son, Jason Hensley and her brother, John Kissinger.

Because of her faith, Marilyn was a very giving and patient person and loved to serve. Along with those attributes, Marilyn's love for her family and her strong faith will continue to inspire and remain in our hearts forever.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 10, 2026, in the Westside Baptist Church of Waynesville, Missouri with Pastor Mark Morrison and Rev. Lindell Shelden officiating. Mike Freeman led the congregation in singing "When We All Get to Heaven" and "How Great Thou Art". Becky Lercher and Mike Freeman sang "Goodness of God" and Becky sang "It Is Well With My Soul". Serving as escorts were Jim Kilburn, Mario Medeiros, Joseph Ward, Isaac Medeiros, Ed Fisher, Dave Ernst, Lyle Cox and Kevin Jeffries. Serving as honorary escorts were a host of local family and friends. Burial followed in the Sunset Memorial Estates Cemetery of Waynesville, MO. Services were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Marilyn Hensley to the Waynesville R-VI School District Foundation or the Westside Baptist Church of Waynesville and may be left at Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert or at Westside Baptist Church.