Gwendolyn Phyllis (Marquardt) Hensley, 82, went to be with the Lord, March 26, 2023.

G wen was born to Clarence Henry and Dorothy Marie Marquardt November 1, 1940 in rural Elk City, KS.  She is survived by Brother Chip (Fran) Marquardt, Daughter Gayla Bridwell, Son Gary (Mary) Hensley, Daughter Glynne' (Bill) Bolte, Son Raymond (Jennifer) Hensley and Son-in-law Goran Hunjak, 26 grandchildren, 51 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren.  Gwen is preceded in death by her husband Ellison Earle Hensley, her parents, and Daughter Gina Hunjak.

I n her earlier years, Gwen worked for Ranson and Company and owned her own Secretarial Letter Services company.  She worked for Boeing as a manager for BE&C Services and functioned as the Engineering Policies and Procedures Administrator until her retirement.

G wen loved spending time with family and friends and held wonderful dinners and gatherings.  She enjoyed participating in church softball and volleyball leagues where fun was had by all. During her 47 year battle with cancer, she shared her faith with everyone she came in contact with.  She volunteered for various organizations within the community benefiting cancer survivors and children's advocacy groups: Victory in the Valley and Sunlight Children's Advocacy & Rights Foundation (Butler County SCARF).  Gwen authored a book, " Hold My Hand Lord " which journeyed her personal battle with cancer.  She was instrumental in establishing funding for the Rose Hill EMT Ambulance Service where she also served as an EMT. Gwen was active in her church performing various roles and had a passion for the Word of God. Gwen was a member of Rose Hill Lioness Club, loved attending Rose Hill football games and was dedicated to serving her community throughout her life.

Memorials:

• Victory in the Valley
• Sunlight Children Services - (Sunlight Children's Advocacy & Rights Foundation)
• Holy Cross Lutheran Church Love Fund

"I'm Free"

Don't grieve for me,
For now I'm free
I'm following the path God laid for me.
I took His hand when I heard Him call.
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day
To receive your love, to hear you pray.
Tasks left undone must stay that way,
For I found peace at the close of the day.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy:
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
All things I know you'll miss.
Be not burdened in time of sorrow.
I wish for you the sunshine of tomorrow.
Perhaps my time seems all too brief.
Don't spend your life on undue grief.
My life with Christ is now complete,
As I see His face and sit at His feet.
Lift up your heart and share with me.
God wanted me now
He set me FREE.

Unknown Author