Mrs. Martha Jean Hensel, 98, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 1, 2019, at River Ridge Living Center.
Martha was born Martha Jean Huffman on September 29, 1920, to the late Della and William Huffman in Lebanon, Indiana where she spent her childhood and would later meet her husband, Ralph Hensel.
Martha Huffman was united in marriage to Ralph Hensel on August 1, 1944, in New Mexico, where Ralph was stationed. They would spend 19 years together until his passing in June of 1963.
Martha was employed by St Mary’s as a Ward Clerk and Nursing Assistant, and later Community Health Center where she worked in Medical Records. An active member of the community Martha donated much of her time serving others as a charter member of FFAVAC, the Glen Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary, Iroquois Senior Citizens, Glen-Mohawk Senior Citizens, Eastern Star Art Wel United Chapter, a volunteer at St. Mary’s and a parishioner of Glen Reformed Church.
Martha is survived by her son, Ralph “Chet” (Janice Ernst) Hensel of Johnstown; daughters, Edith (Albert) Bowdish of Amsterdam, and Olive (Allan) Taylor of Fultonville; as well as her sister, Mary Moore of Zionsville, IN. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Kayleen (Nate) Snow, Frederick (Jennifer) Taylor, Melissa (Bridget) Nelson, and Christopher (Emily) Bowdish; and seven great-grandchildren, Cedric “Gus” and Aidan Snow, Sheridan, Sheyanne and Zoey Taylor, Riley and Logan Nelson; countless nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Ralph Hensel; brother, Donald Huffman; and sisters, Catherine Campbell and Ethel Mae Smith.
A service of remembrance will take place on Thursday, June 6, 2019, at 11 a.m. at Jackson & Betz Funeral Home, 15 Main St., Fultonville, NY with Pastor Thomas Flander presiding. Calling hours will take place on Wednesday, June 5, 2019, at Jackson & Betz Funeral Home from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Interment will take place at Esperance Cemetery in Esperance, NY on Thursday, June 6, following the service. Donations may be made to Glen Reformed Church, 1526 NY 161, Fultonville, NY 12072. Please visit Martha’s online memorial at brbsfuneral.com.
