Beverly Hensler Obituary

Beverly Jean Hensler, 90, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away on July 26, 2025, at Homestead of Eudora, Kansas, surrounded by many beloved family members at her bedside. Beverly was born on September 6, 1934, in St. Marys, Kansas, to Leo J. and Violet M. (Perry) Ulrich.

Beverly graduated from Hayden High School in 1952. She was skilled in Gregg Shorthand and full of school spirit for the Topeka Wildcats! Beverly married Paul L. Hensler of Barton, Wisconsin, on September 8, 1956, in Topeka, Kansas. As newlyweds, they moved to Waunakee, Wisconsin, where Paul attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and they became parents to their first daughter. A few years later, they found their forever home in Lawrence, Kansas.

As a young woman, Beverly loved to shop-she was known for matching her pocketbook to her shoes. She worked for Blue Cross Blue Shield as a secretary and later at Janelle's Dress Shop. She spent many hours volunteering with the local Girl Scouts and in the gift shop at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. A devout Catholic, she served her congregation as the secretary for the Altar Society and volunteered at the parochial school. Beverly enjoyed walking in her neighborhood, chatting with neighbors, tending her flowers, and attending her standing Thursday afternoon hair appointment with Lannie. She was an avid KU basketball fan and tried never to miss a game!

Bev was a kind and loving sister to Terry, always making sure he had his own box of popcorn and candy when she took him to the movies in downtown Topeka in their youth.

She was a devoted mother to her children Kathy, Karen, and Scott. All three fondly remember her infamous peanut butter fudge and cranberry relish she made every Christmas. She quietly cheered them on from the stands at their sporting events, kept up with their milestones through clippings saved from the local paper, and spent every Mother's Day admiring flowers selected from her favorite nursery.

For 42 years, she was a warmhearted and committed grandmother and great-grandmother ("Gigi Bev") to Hunter, Hadley, Landen, Gabriel, and Gordon. She enjoyed every visit, especially holiday and birthday gatherings.

Beverly was preceded in death by both of her parents; her mother-in-law, Loraine Hensler; father-in-law, Elmer G. Hensler; brother-in-law, Robert "Bob" G. Hensler; sister-in-law, Mary J. Roell; and many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.

She will be deeply missed by family near and far, the St. John community, Homestead companions, and the caregivers and friends she was blessed to know and love throughout her many years. She is survived by her husband, Paul L. Hensler; her brother, Terry J. (Marty) Ulrich; her children, Kathy (Mike) Coffman, Karen (Tony) Hyde, and Scott Hensler; her grandchildren, Clinton (Audrey) Coffman, Marie (Adam) Payne, and Ashley (Matthew) Greenlee; and five great-grandchildren.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Parish Church (1234 Kentucky Street, Lawrence, KS 66044) at 10:00 a.m. A viewing for family and friends will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by the recitation of the Rosary at 9:30 a.m. Following Beverly's burial at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery, members of St. John will host a luncheon in the parish fellowship hall. The family will share memories, music, and treasured keepsakes in celebration of Beverly's ninety cherished years. Friends and family are welcome to join for the ceremony or the celebration of their choice.