Mary Ann Hensley

Mary Ann Hensley was born January 5, 1939 in Newton, Kansas to D. H. and Mary Elizabeth (Schidlowsky) Hensley. She passed away April 2, 2025 at the age of 86. She was preceded in death by her sister, Rita Wiebe and brother-in-law, Gus Wiebe, and niece Betsy (Wiebe) Devore.

She is survived by nieces and Nephews; Helen Gough (Dan), Mary Eilerts (Jay D), David Wiebe (Vicky), Jim Wiebe (Barb), Kathy Casper (Gerald), Don Wiebe (Judy), Carol Saengerhausen (Barry) and Mark Wiebe.

She attended St. Mary’s Catholic School through 8th grade. She then attended high school and college at Sacred Heart Academy in Wichita graduating with her degree in education.

Her teaching career began in 1958, teaching 2nd grade at St. Mary’s in Newton, Kansas. She felt it was time for a change in 1963, which lead her to teach at St. Mary’s for three years and then at Pleasant View for 11 years, both in Derby, Kansas. In 1977 she began teaching at Magdalen Catholic School in Wichita, Kansas. She enjoyed coaching Battle of the Books and Scholars Bowl for many years and led them to be State Champs.

Mary Ann’s love for books and reading led her to continue her education while teaching, to get her Masters in Library Science. She then became Magdalen’s school librarian.

Mary Ann was never married and had no children of her own and yet she made a difference in the lives of many, many children. She loved being a teacher and she loved her students. She always had time to listen and make them feel special. She had high expectations of her students and gave them the tools needed to live up to those expectations. She also mentored new teachers, giving them encouragement and helpful insights.

Everywhere she went, she was interested in other people’s lives. She had a way of drawing people out and making them feel that their lives mattered.

Mary Ann had many interests beyond teaching. She loved gardening and helped care for the flowers in St. Mary’s church beds. She was a private pilot and loved to fly. A huge KU fan known to her great nieces and nephews as “Jayhawk Auntie”. She thoroughly enjoyed animals of all kinds.

After retirement she volunteered at Book Reviews in Newton. She also enjoyed spending time helping at the greenhouse in North Newton.

The church meant everything to her. She enjoyed playing the organ there for many years. As former student Margie Graves Moss wrote, “She personified Christ’s love for all she met, especially her students. She will be fondly remembered, and we will look forward to seeing her again in her heavenly classroom.”

Visitation will be Tuesday, April 8, 2025 from 5-7 p.m., with Rosary being prayed at 7:00 p.m., at Broadway Colonial Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Newton. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Newton.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to St. Mary’s Alter Society, and may be sent in care of Broadway Colonial Funeral Home.