Rita L. Hensley, 89, of Hughestown, also known as “Ma Hensley” and “Nana” to many, passed away Friday, February 19th, 2016 at Geisinger Wyoming Valley, surrounded by her family. She was the wife of the late Russell Hensley, who passed away in 1984.
Born in West Wyoming on May 1st, 1926, she was the daughter of the late Harry and Leona (Debold) Redmond. She was a graduate of West Wyoming High School, Class of 1944.
Rita worked as a seamstress at Pittston Apparel. She was a member of the ILGWU. She was a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Hughestown. She was the oldest and last surviving member of her family. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and will be missed by all.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was proceeded in death by a daughter, Cheryl Homschek; son-in-law, Buddy Cramer; sisters, Cora Maisano, Louise Mundy, and Olive Wickeiser; brothers, Donald, Ralph, Roy Redmond, and an infant brother John.
She is survived by a son, Thomas Hensley (Deborah), Manchester, MD; daughters, Rita Pahl (Dave), Jenkins Township, Debbie Cramer, Old Forge; son-in-law, George Homschek, Old Forge; aunt, Viola Cheskewicz, West Wyoming; grandchildren, Michael Hensley (Yaritza), Scott Hensley (Kristin); Tracy Carey (Dean); Terri Amici (John); Ronald Meager (Dena); Eric Meager (Nina); great-grandchildren, Ryan, David, Michael, Lindsay, Christian, Kira, Joey, Hope, Kalli, and Tyler; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Rita was known by all to be the life of the party wherever she went whether it was work or family events, her YMCA aquacize class, bus trips, or the sidelines of her grandkids’ and great grandkids’ sporting events and concerts.
The family would like to thank Dr. Charles Manganiello and his staff as well as the team of the Geisinger 4th floor Med-Surg Unit. Their level of care will always be appreciated.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Rita's memory to the American Lung Association of Pennsylvania, 2300 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18511
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 24rd, 2016 at 11:00 a.m in St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, corner of Center and Rock Streets, Hughestown. Those attending are asked to go directly to church. Interment will follow in Memorial Shrine Cemetery, Wyoming. Friends may call Tuesday, February 23rd from 4:00 p.m to 8:00 p.m. at the Peter J. Adonizio Funeral Home, 251 William Street, Pittston.