SPOKANE, Washington — Jody Louise Hensley, a longtime physical therapist remembered for her compassion, Christian faith and dedication to serving others, died peacefully in Spokane on August 7, 2013, following a long battle with cancer. She was 61.
Jody’s published obituary describes a woman whose professional life and personal faith were closely connected by a deep concern for others. During approximately three decades as a physical therapist, she built relationships with patients and colleagues while becoming known for the care and kindness she brought to her work.
Years after her death, her obituary and tributes from former friends and coworkers continue to provide a picture of a woman whose influence extended through healthcare, church, family and friendship.
Who Was Jody Louise Hensley?
Jody was born October 17, 1951, in Huntington Park, California, to Howard and Betty Carey Kaessner.
She graduated from Downey High School in 1969 and later completed a degree in Physical Science in Long Beach in 1974.
Her career eventually led her into physical therapy, a profession she practiced for approximately 30 years.
Jody’s obituary emphasized not simply how long she worked in healthcare but how strongly she cared about the people she encountered.
Former coworkers later remembered her as a supportive colleague and friend who regularly encouraged others and openly shared the Christian faith that was central to her life.
Jody Louise Hensley Bio Data
| Bio Detail | Confirmed Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jody Louise Hensley |
| Date of Birth | October 17, 1951 |
| Birthplace | Huntington Park, California |
| Age at Death | 61 |
| Date of Death | August 7, 2013 |
| Place of Death | Spokane, Washington |
| Profession | Physical therapist |
| Career Length | Approximately 30 years |
| Husband | John Hensley |
| Parents | Howard and Betty Carey Kaessner |
| Siblings | Susan Martin and Mike Kaessner |
| Cause of Death | Cancer |
| Funeral Location | Cheney First Church of the Nazarene |
| Funeral Home | Hazen & Jaeger Funeral Home |
The principal biographical details above are documented in Jody’s published obituary.
Jody Hensley’s Career in Physical Therapy
Jody spent roughly three decades working as a physical therapist.
The profession allowed her to combine technical healthcare skills with one of the qualities most frequently associated with her in memorial messages: compassion.
Former colleagues who contributed memories after her death described Jody as someone who supported people through difficult moments and built genuine friendships in the workplace. One former coworker recalled working with her at Kaiser and remembered the encouragement and faith Jody shared with those around her.
Her professional legacy therefore extended beyond treatments and clinical responsibilities.
For many who encountered her, the personal care she showed was equally memorable.
Faith Was Central to Jody’s Life
Christian faith played a defining role in Jody Hensley’s life.
Her obituary specifically highlighted her devotion to the Bible and her faith in Jesus Christ. She also taught children about Scripture and participated actively in church life.
Friends remembered this commitment after her death.
Several memorial messages described Jody as a woman whose faith influenced those around her, including friends who said her example strengthened their own beliefs.
That spiritual commitment shaped both the way she lived and the way many people chose to remember her.
Jody Hensley’s Family
Jody married John Hensley on December 7, 1991.
At the time of her death, she was survived by John; her sister, Susan Martin; her brother, Mike Kaessner; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Her parents, Howard and Betty Kaessner, preceded her in death.
Memorial messages posted after her passing also reflected the close relationship Jody shared with John, with friends recognizing the support he provided throughout her illness.
Music, Gardening and Creative Interests
Away from her healthcare career, Jody enjoyed a wide range of creative and outdoor activities.
She played both the flute and piano and sang in her church choir.
Her hobbies also included spinning yarn, knitting, felting and gardening. She enjoyed road trips and loved caring for her dogs.
Those interests reveal another side of Jody’s life beyond her professional responsibilities — one filled with music, creativity, travel, animals and time spent doing things she enjoyed.
Friends also remembered spending time spinning yarn with her and discussing pets, walks and everyday life.
Jody Hensley Cause of Death
Jody Hensley died after a long battle with cancer, according to her official obituary.
She passed away peacefully in Spokane on August 7, 2013.
The obituary does not specify the particular type of cancer, so no more specific diagnosis should be attributed to her without additional authoritative information.
Her family expressed particular gratitude to Hospice of Spokane for the support and care provided during the final stage of her life.
Jody Louise Hensley Funeral Service
Funeral services for Jody were held on Sunday, August 11, 2013, at 2 p.m. at Cheney First Church of the Nazarene, located at 338 W. Betz Road in Cheney, Washington.
Hazen & Jaeger Funeral Home handled the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family requested memorial donations to the Cheney Police Chaplain’s Fund, with funds designated for Samaritan’s Purse and Gospel for Asia.
Remembering Jody Louise Hensley
The memories left by friends and coworkers following Jody’s death provide perhaps the clearest picture of her influence.
She was remembered for her laughter, kindness, friendship, strong faith and willingness to support people during difficult times. Former colleagues described her as someone with a big heart, while longtime friends recalled everyday moments that remained meaningful after her passing.
Her life connected several forms of service: caring for patients as a physical therapist, teaching children through her faith community, supporting friends and investing deeply in family relationships.
Those qualities remain central to the way Jody Louise Hensley is remembered.
Final Update on Jody Hensley’s Obituary
Jody Louise Hensley died in Spokane, Washington, on August 7, 2013, at the age of 61 after a long battle with cancer.
She spent approximately 30 years working as a physical therapist and was remembered for her love of people, Christian faith, music, creative hobbies and devotion to family.
Her funeral was held August 11 at Cheney First Church of the Nazarene, with Hazen & Jaeger Funeral Home handling arrangements.
More than a decade later, the memories shared through her obituary continue to reflect a life centered on compassion, faith and service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Jody Louise Hensley?
Jody Hensley was a Spokane-area physical therapist who worked in the profession for approximately 30 years and was remembered for her compassion and Christian faith.
When did Jody Hensley die?
She died on August 7, 2013, at age 61.
What was Jody Hensley’s cause of death?
Her obituary states that she died following a long battle with cancer. The specific type of cancer was not disclosed.
Who was Jody Hensley’s husband?
She was married to John Hensley. They married on December 7, 1991.
Where was Jody Hensley’s funeral held?
Her funeral was held at Cheney First Church of the Nazarene in Cheney, Washington, on August 11, 2013.
Disclaimer
This article is based on Jody Louise Hensley’s published obituary and memorial records from Hazen & Jaeger Funeral Home and Legacy. Her dates, family information, career, interests and death following a long battle with cancer are documented in those records. The obituary does not disclose the specific type of cancer she experienced, and no additional medical details have been inferred.