Claire Elaine Hensley

Claire E. Hensley, 90, a permanent resident of Albuquerque since 1974, passed away Wednesday, April 27, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. She is survived by her children, Doyle W. Hensley II (Georgia), Pamela H. Spriet (Clay), and Richard M. Hensley; grandchildren, Jill Culver (Chance), Erica Via (Craig), Clayton Spriet (Sarah), and Katrina Abrahams (Will); great-grandchildren, Shelby, Brooke, Penny, Connor, and Paige; great-great-granddaughter, River Rose; brother, Morris Rose; nephew, Mark Hensley (Donna); nieces, Doris Sullivan (Mike) and Sheila Taylor; grandnephews, Steven Sullivan (Pam) and Joey Sullivan (Michelle); great-grandnephews, Kevin Sullivan, Jesse Sullivan, and Colten Sullivan; and great-grandnieces, Stephanie Gonyea (Kaleb), Montana Taylor, and Maddy Renda. She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Agnes Rose; brother, Walter Rose; and sister, Margaret Sloan.

Claire was born in Riddleton, Tennessee. She spent the first 17 years of her life enjoying all the benefits of living in the country. Shortly after turning 18, she married Doyle W. Hensley, who was in the United States Navy having served since 1942. They were married on Wednesday, August 31, 1949, in Franklin, Kentucky. Claire and Doyle were married for 71 years and 11 months, until his death on Thursday, July 15, 2021. During their life together, Claire lived in North Carolina, Texas, California, Alaska, Washington, Rhode Island, and New Mexico. She took up permanent residence in Albuquerque in 1974.

Claire lived a very busy and fulfilling life in Albuquerque. From 1974-1988, Claire worked at St. Pius High School as Secretary to Dean of Students, and Attendance Secretary. She was highly loved by the faculty and her students and is remembered for her sky-high heels and red nail polish.

At home, Claire kept busy with her many hobbies. She enjoyed gardening, birdwatching, painting and crafts, and was well- known for her award-winning bread and butter pickles. She was a frequent vendor at local craft shows, selling her items made of vintage linens. Additionally, she enjoyed participating in the Ballut Abyad Shrine with her husband.

Claire was a devoted military spouse, dedicated to her husband, family, the families' many Dachshunds, and friends. She believed in God, Country, and Family and lived that belief every day of her life.

Services will be held on Thursday, June 2, 2022, 1:00 p.m., at the FRENCH- Lomas. Internment will take place on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, 12:45 p.m., at Santa Fe National Cemetery.

Should family and friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Ballut Abyad Shrine (Transportation Fund) located at 6600 Zuni Rd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108.