Ethel 'Jerrie' L. (Straw) Hensel

YORK- Ethel “Jerrie” L. (Straw) Hensel, 87, passed away peacefully Thursday, December 29, 2011 at York Hospital. She was the wife of the late Dennis A. Hensel, to whom she was married 42 years. Services are private at the convenience of the family. Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., 1551 Kenneth Rd., York is in charge of arrangements. Mrs. Hensel was born on June 13, 1924, a daughter of the late James B. and Carrie E. (Ness) Straw. Jerrie worked as a cook for the York City School District for 26 years until her retirement in 1987. Mrs. Hensel was a longtime member of Grace Lutheran Evangelical Church, York where she was very active. She and Denny were avid campers. They became very active with and held various offices in the Susquehanna Square and Round Dance Association. Jerrie was a den mother while her sons were involved in scouting. She was accomplished at knitting and crocheting and created many items of clothing and decoration. Jerrie was a member of her church’s quilting club. She is survived by sons Gregory E. and his wife, Rebecca and Drew A. and his wife, Gayle; a sister-in-law, who she and Denny raised as their own, Mary K. Harvey and her husband, J. LaRue “Bud”; sisters, Charmaine McClellan and Norma Crouse; a brother, Thomas Straw; grandchildren, Kristin Lesh, Lindy Davis, Kathryn Hensel and Kylea Hensel; and great grandchildren, Reese, Mitchell, Halle and Hannah. She was preceded in death by brothers James B. Straw, Jr., Robert E. Straw and Franklin D. Straw. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lutheran Social Services Foundation, 1050 Pennsylvania Ave., York, PA 17404 or the American Cancer Society, 924 N Colonial Ave., York, PA 17403