Melody Kay Hensley, 70, of LaHarpe, Ill. died Monday, Nov. 18, 2024, at her home. She was born June 18, 1954, in LaHarpe the daughter of Clarence and Helen Cratsenberg Ingles, who preceded her in death. On Aug. 14, 1977, she married Roger Hensley in LaHarpe. He also preceded her in death on Aug. 20, 1980.
She is survived by two brothers, Donald (Peg) Ingles of Lomax, Ill. and Randy (Joyce) Ingles of Harvey, La. and one sister-in-law, Cindy Ingles of Pleasant Plains, Ill.
Although Melody had no children of her own, she showered lots of love on her students and many nieces and nephews.
She has nine nieces and nephews, fifteen great-nieces and nephews and eight great-great- nieces and nephews.
After her parents went into a nursing home, Melody became her brother, Paul’s, primary care giver.
Besides her parents and husband she was preceded her in death by two brothers, Gary Ingles in 2022 and Paul Ingles in 2023.
Melody is a retired elementary special education teacher of the LaHarpe School District. She retired after 37 years of teaching. She was a member of the LaHarpe Christian Church, where she taught Sunday School for many years.
Friends may call after 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22, 2024 at Banks & Beals Funeral in LaHarpe, where the family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m.
The funeral service for Melody will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at the LaHarpe Christian Church with Pastor Nate McCarter officiating. Burial will follow in LaHarpe Cemetery.
A memorial fund has been established for the LaHarpe Christian Church.