Rufus Hensley

Rufus Hensley, 84, of Bucyrus died Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at his home. His death was unexpected of natural causes.



He was born April 15, 1934 in Cardinal, Kentucky, located in Bell County, to the late Harmon John and Jossie (Scott) Hensley. At the age of 18, Rufus left Kentucky and he arrived in Bucyrus in 1953 where he worked part time for the New York Central Railroad. A short time later, Rufus took a position with Shunk Manufacturing, where he would spend the next 27 years working until retirement, 16 of those years as a supervisor. Rufus and Della Mae Skidmore were introduced by their sisters and on July 9, 1955 in Jonesville Virginia, they became one. Their marriage lasted 37 years until her passing in 1992.



Rufus was a God-fearing man who enjoyed time spent with family and friends. He will be remembered as a great story teller and had a keen ability to remember small details from years ago which most would have lost in a few days. Rufus could be found on a daily basis at Oakwood Cemetery where he visited the grave of his wife and friends lost over the years, taking it upon himself to care for their grave spaces. This would explain the meticulous care given to his property and his daily appearance over the years. For relaxation, he often sat in his easy chair and listened to bluegrass music including the work of Ralph Stanley, an artist Rufus was proud to have personally met.



Rufus was proud of his family which includes five children, Karen Hicks, Jerry (Jenice) Hensley, Bobby (Mary Jean) Hensley, Darlene (D.C.) Cox, and Mike Hensley and his close friend, Marie Stuckman; nine grandchildren, Jeramie (Amy) Hensley, Brian Hicks, Joshua (Michelle) Hensley, Holly Hartrum, Stephanie Hensley and fiancé, Justin Miller, Ben (Page) Hensley, Allison Hensley, Austin Hicks, and Garrett (Lexi Hoepf) Hensley; as well as 12 great grandchildren. In addition to his wife and parents, Rufus was preceded in death by five siblings, Stanley, Cam, Hiram, Bessie and Retha as well as a daughter-in-law, Diane Hensley.



The Hensley family will receive friends from 11- 12:55 pm Friday, June 1 at Wise Funeral Service where his funeral will follow at 1:00 pm with Bishop Ted Thomas officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery.



Contributions can be made payable to Together We Hurt, Together We Heal and will be accepted through the funeral home.