Wilma Ruth Hensley

At age 96, Wilma Ruth Hensley, of Dayton, Ohio, passed away on July 20, 2026. Wilma was born in Big Stone Gap, Virginia on August 13, 1929 to the late Whitelaw and Gladys Hall.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred; by her parents; and by her brothers, Harold and Clifford Hall.

She is survived by her daughter, Donna (Bill) Shoup; son, Barry (Carol) Hensley; granddaughter, Amy Leigh; grandson, Michael (Chelsea) Shoup; granddaughter, Claire Hensley; and great-grandchildren Graceyn Leigh, Weston Shoup, and Emery Shoup.

Wilma’s life was characterized by her love for and dedication to her family. She was raised primarily in Big Stone Gap, where her father owned a general store, but she spent her adolescent years in East Bernstadt, Kentucky, and in both locations, she met lifelong “sister friends”. She moved back to Big Stone Gap for high school, and it was there she met her beloved husband Fred, to whom she was married for 52 years.

She enjoyed traveling, crafting, reading, and cooking for her family. She was a home-maker, a dear friend, and a warm-hearted purveyor of stories. She loved deeply and will continue to be deeply loved.

Visitation will be held from 10:00am-11:00am on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at Newcomer Funeral Home (3380 Dayton-Xenia Rd, Beavercreek), where funeral services will begin at 11:00am. Wilma will be laid to rest at Mt. Zion Park cemetery following the service.

The service will be livestreamed, click HERE to watch.

Donations may be made in Wilma's memory to the Giving Garden at Mosaic Church (Click HERE to donate).

To share a memory of Wilma or leave a special message for her family, please visit the Guestbook below.