Betty Lou (Long) Hensley peacefully passed away on June 27, 2023, and awoke in the presence of her Savior.

Betty was born on March 23rd, 1939, to the loving union of Delbert and Edna Long.  Two years later her beloved baby sister, Georgia Faye, was born and made their family complete.  Growing up on a mountain aptly named "Happy Top", Betty would fondly remember those years and would often say, "those were happy times on Happy Top."

Betty was a proud graduate of the 1957 Class of Wallins High School.  On August 10th of the same year, she married the love of her life, Gilbert Lee Hensley.  They welcomed their only child, their son Rick, the following year and he was without a doubt the apple of their eyes. No parents were more proud. Betty and Gilbert were married for 49 wonderful years before his passing.

Betty was joyful and a social butterfly.  She loved to visit with her friends over a good cup of coffee and watch football with her grandson and grandson-in-law.  An avid crocheter, Betty was well known for her beautiful afghans which she made with love.  Many brides and new babies throughout the years were gifted these beautiful works of art.  Betty was born with a green thumb and her pretty flowers were always evidence of this.  Gifted with a beautiful singing voice, she loved to go to church and sing her Savior's praises.  Famous for her amazing peanut butter roll candy, we are certain that it will never be duplicated as good as hers was.

Betty relished her role as mother, grandmother, and later great-grandmother.  She was her "babies" biggest fan and her eyes would shine anytime she talked of them.

Including her parents and sister, Betty was preceded in death by her husband Gilbert and her son Rick, both of whom she missed dearly each and every day.

Left to cherish her memory are her granddaughter, Amy Burkhart and husband Russell; grandson,  Joshua Hensley and wife Miranda; her great-grandchildren:  Isabella Kate Burkhart, Benjamin Lee Edwards and Amelia Quinn Hensley; her daughter-in-law, Rebecca Hensley; and a host of beloved extended family members and many dear friends.

Visitation for Betty will be held Thursday, June 29, 2023, from 6:00 – 9:00PM at the Harlan Funeral Home. Funeral services will take place on Friday, June 30, at 11:00AM with Reverend Carl Eldridge officiating.  Betty will be laid to rest beside her husband at the Park-Howard Cemetery in Wallins, KY. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

Harlan Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Ms. Betty Lou Hensley.