Leila Sue Hensley

Leila Sue Hensley, known lovingly as Sue, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2024, in LaVista, NE, at the age of 77. Born on November 12, 1946, in St. Joseph, MO, she was the younger sister of her brother Alvah.

Sue spent most of her life in and around St. Joseph before moving to Omaha, NE, with her husband, Richard Hensley, where she continued her long career at Walmart. She worked as a manager across different departments. Her career wasn’t just about work; it was about the friendships she built, the people she helped, and the kindness she showed every day.

She was known for living a full and active life, often traveling to Branson, MO, and other destinations with her sorority sisters.

She made sure to stay connected with her beloved cousins in Missouri. She is survived by Sharen McMillen Wilson, Luise Carven, and her brother George McMillen. She is reunited with her cousins Anita King Ward, Karen McMillen Hayes, Carla McMillen Sunderland, and Thor McMillen Jr. in heaven.

She cherished visits to her family in California, making it a point to see her brother, Nunny, for Father’s Day and spending time at the San Diego County Fair. Sue was a devoted grandmother and great-grandmother, frequently visiting Las Vegas to be part of her grandchildren's and great-grandchildren's lives.

Family and friends were the center of her world, and those who knew her were truly blessed to experience her love and kindness.

To those who knew her, Sue was the heart of the family. She was always there with open arms, offering love, understanding, and laughter. Her warmth and kindness left a lasting mark on everyone she met.

Sue is preceded in death by her loving husband, Richard Hensley; her daughter, Leila Araujo; her parents, James and Alvah McMillen; her brother, Alvah McMillen; her nephews, Scott and Keith McMillen; her cousin Myrna Dunken, raised as sisters, and her dear friend and sister-at-heart, Sharon Paulsen.

She is survived by her sons, Willard Orr and Michael (Doc) Orr; her granddaughters, Alyssa Smith and her husband, Austin Smith, of Council Bluffs, IA; Isabella Araujo and her life partner, Michael Ouellette, of Las Vegas, NV; and Samantha and her husband, Remi Van Steenkiste, of St. Joseph, MO.

She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Brandan McClanahan and Farah McClanahan, and her precious great-grandchildren: Angel, Malikai, Liam, Jaxson, Ram, Maverick, Drake, and Mia.

Her family extends to her nephew, Gerald McMillen of San Diego, CA, and her grand-niece, Liana McMillen, and her life partner, Keith Peebles, of San Diego, CA.

She was a social butterfly, close to so many people, and was loved by many who are not listed here. Sue’s memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends, who were blessed to know her and feel her love.