June B. Hensley passed away peacefully with her family by her side on 22 March 2020 at Townsend, MT at the age of 87. Loretta June Burkart was born 19 March 1933 to Alice (Edgmond) and Jacob Burkart in Billings, MT. Her family lived in the Pompey’s Pillar area until 1942, when Jake and Alice purchased a ranch near Canyon Ferry, MT.
This is the place June loved. Much to her chagrin, she had to live in Helena to attend school. While there, she lived either with friends or in a boarding school. Upon graduating Helena High in 1951, she moved home to the ranch that she loved and immediately went to work.
As a young woman, June filled her evenings by breaking in young colts. Riding a good horse that knew how to cut cows never failed to bring her joy. June was an avid reader and read a wide variety of books, including the works of Shakespeare.
On 25 Nov 1960, June married George H. Hensley and moved to the Crow Creek Valley. They spent the next 40 years raising their family, farming and ranching together. In 1974 they and their two daughters, Jorja and Nancy, bought her parent’s ranch. George was glad to move his family to “the ranch” that his wife cared so much about.
On the ranch, she spent many a summer day on the W9 tractor summer fallowing fields, baling hay and fixing fence (something she detested). She hated to see water go to waste so she learned the art of flood irrigation. Her love for putting water on the land never waned. She helped her husband put in an extensive irrigation system that is still making her ranch an oasis.
Calving was her favorite time of the year. When George asked her to marry him she replied, “If you buy me a diamond ring, I will sell it and buy more cows”. Several years later, when the Bishop of their congregation told the men that they should buy their wives a new dress, she turned to George and said, “I don’t want a new dress, I want a calving barn.” George
willingly complied. She truly enjoyed working with and getting to know all of her cows. She even managed to make working cows fun. June shared her love for the land, cattle and horses with her daughters.
She served as a 4-H leader while her daughters were members. Some of Jorja and Nancy’s favorite memories: Coming out of school to find Mom waiting with our saddled horses to ride home with her. Waking up on Christmas morning to find handcrafted gifts, such as barbie doll clothes, and dolls dressed in nightgowns that matched ours. Salting cows up Avalanche Gulch. Learning to calve cows with her (Mom had the patience of Job when trying to help a calf to nurse, but that patience ran a little thin when a cow refused to let her calf nurse). Laughing while we worked.
More important than her work, June had a strong faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ that she also instilled in her children and Sunday School students. June served faithfully as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.
June was preceded in death by her parents and husband. She is survived by her aunts: Eva Pearson and Char Brinkel; her sister: Diana Graveley; sister-in-law, Louise Determan;
her daughters: Jorja (Wes) Munns, and Nancy (Cory) Davis; grandchildren: Jacob (Kara), Daniel, Michael, Ellen and Aaron Davis, and Jeri (Mike) Potvin and Kayla (Jarod) Goode; 10 great grand-children and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Private graveside services will be held at 1 o’clock on Friday, March 27, 2020 at the Deep Creek Cemetery, Townsend, MT. Memorial donations may be made to Broadwater Food Pantry, P.O. Box 1164, Townsend, MT 59644.
Allen Stenhjem Family says
Hensleys,
Our thoughtss and prayers are with you all God Bless June………..
Allen /Glenda
Bob and Joyce Fries says
Jorja,
We are so sorry for your great loss. I have such fond memories talk with you mom about chickens and cows. She was a great lady and will be greatly missed.
God’s comfort and blessings to you and your family
Bob and Joyce Fries
Dee Ellen says
Jorja a great lady went to heaven. I loved coming over to your house and your mom teaching me how to ride and we would play all day. I will miss her.
Rebecca Mitchell says
Jorja, Nancy, and families. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. We loved your mom. Rebecca & Wayne Mitchell
Mary Tripp says
June was one tough lady that I always looked up to. My memories of her were a lot at hunting camp and always asking how I was doing and truly meant it. She cared for you and it showed. I will always admire her hard work. I remember driving by one cold morning and she was out fixing the fence because it was what needed done. Heaven gained another amazing soul and I’m blessed to have known this wonderful lady!
Vickie Rauser says
Jorja, Nancy, & Family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. I always liked your mom and appreciate her skills and love of life. Holding you all in sympathy and prayer.
Valerie says
Jorja, Nancy and families, Your mom was a special lady and I know that the memories you share will help heal your hearts. God bless…Roy and Val Hornsveld
Susan Ames says
Jorja, Nancy, and Families–
Your mother was truly a GREAT lady – I admired her so much for her love of family, intelligence, common sense, and most especially her strong and true testimony in the atonement of Jesus Christ. My heart hurts for you, as I know the love you all shared. May God bless and comfort each one of you. Lots of love to you.
Sue
Kathy & John Gummere says
Jorja, Nancy, and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We remember first meeting her at hunting camp ! She always loved coming to hunting camp for dinner , and she always loved John’s cooking !! She was always full of smiles ! She was a tough ranchers wife with a heart of pure love !! We will miss her .❤️
Love, Kathy & John
Terry Gundersen says
Please know that we are thinking of your family …. June was an amazing woman and everyone knows that she left knowing that her two daughters would carry on the way she would want. We are so sorry for your loss. We are feeling so fortunate to have known her. Our heartfelt condolences to you. Love, Jim and Terry Gundersen
Terry Gundersen says
Please know that we are thinking of your family …. June was an amazing woman and everyone knows that she left knowing that her two daughters would carry on the way she would want. We are so sorry for your loss. We are feeling so fortunate to have known her. Our heartfelt condolences to you. Love, Jim and Terry Gundersen
Roxanna Graveley-Brand says
My Aunt June was a woman of grace, dignity, patience and hard work and I have many fond memories of her and George.
I was a child that liked to go “visit” so on occasion when I was spending time at Grandma Alice’s house I would go visit June and George. I do believe that June was a master of redirecting my attention. I would go over and “talk” awhile with June and she would ask me if I had seen George and then send me out to find him. But my favourite thing for many years was going over to visit and have June pull out the Lego blocks. I loved that old case full of blocks!
June’s kitchen always seemed to have fresh baking, canning or cooking happening. Of course I may have just been timing my visit correctly. June would have me bag up bread, wrap up homemade butter, tighten lids or help carry canned goods downstairs.
Of course the best part of stopping into see June and George was how ready they always were to pull up a chair and have you join them in a meal. Fresh cooking, fresh baked bread, fresh milk, fresh churned butter and fresh baked desserts….who would say no to that? To this day I always think of June and George when ever those fresh smells are around.
My Aunt June was an absolutely amazing and generous lady. My life was so much fuller for knowing her and my memories are richer for her presence in my life. I will always remember her with great fondness and thank God for the gift of such a wonderful lady to touch my life.
I love you Aunt June. May you be forever at peace and remembered with love.
Roxanna
Sherry Zipperian says
June was genuine and real, everything a true blue, dyed in the wool, bred born and raised MONTANAN strives to be.
I cannot imagine her being/living anywhere but in Montana. God knew what HE was doing when HE planted her here, and MONTANA, especially here in our neck of the woods, was much the richer for having her. When she took on a task for family, friends, neighbors, and/or the community — she saw it through to the finish.
She touched many many lives for good in her 87 years — she did a bit of everything and did it all well. I admire persons who have varied interests, and thoroughly enjoy the fruits of their labors.
June was all of that, and more.
I believe that was what made June so special.
Hard work
I admire persons who ñ?f everythingdid a bit
Jim and Sally says
This news makes us so sad for the daughters and you Diane and the family. She was one sweet loving human being. I am sure she will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. God Bless!! 🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️
Andrea Smith says
Jorja, Nancy and Family
Your mother was quite a lady and roll model. She raised 2 wonderful daughters and left a wonderful legacy! I will always remember her serving at church in the library on Sundays with both of you. May the comfort of the Gospel and knowing that Families are forever give you peace.
Steve lantz says
I am so sorry for your loss. June was an amazing person and will be missed by all.
Michael & Jeniel M & J says
Just wanted to take a moment to express our thoughts at this time of change for your family. We both know the sense of loss when our loved ones are no longer with us to share that personal physical contact , but that doesn’t mean they are not around and from time to time we can actually feel them and their love. I would be willing to bet that in those quiet times and special places you will feel her there in a way that will fill you with a knowledge that speaks more than words can. It is our privilege to know her and your family. Find comfort in the knowledge I know you have of God and his eternal Plan and the love of family and friends.
Sharie Babb says
Praying for peace for you and your family.
Debbie Hurni and family says
Dear Hensley family:
My mom was Zona Oleson & I am sure she greeted June at Heavens gate! They were best friends for many many years. May they rest in peace.
Our prayers are for you are for comfort and peace knowing you will see her again.
God bless
Dana Stott says
Sorry to hear of June’s death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Jorja and Nancy, and your families.
Sherry and Ward says
Jorja, Nancy and families,
We are so sad to learn today of June’s passing, especially when we are not there to offer support. June was one of our favorite people and one who had our great respect. We have greatly missed seeing her the past few years. My personal favorite memory of June is when I was a new member of the church and new to Primary. We had preparation meetings in our homes and it was at our house out at the farm one night. June came in and promptly laid down on the carpet! She was having back problems and that was where she felt the best. But the point is no matter how bad she felt – she didn’t miss her meeting! And I’ve loved her ever since! Ward remembers all the times he helped haul calves to market with June, Jorja and Nancy. June loved her cows and named them.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Dawn & Daren Ferguson says
Our thoughts and prayers to the entire family. June was inspiring and always had a wise word for me when we would talk. She was an incredible lady and will be missed by many.
Dick and Diane Trerise says
June was a gracious, polite gentlewomen. We are blessed to have been friends. Great family! Good memories! God Bless you all at this time.
Paul Lefever says
To all the Hensley family,
Sincere condolences to you in remembrance of June. My parents and now Hollis has been longtime neighbors and friends ‘beside’ Canyon Ferry. Our thoughts are with your family. Take care.
Paul L
Kevin Burkart says
All of these comments are such a testament to June’s impact. She did much while on this earth. And she was one of those rare souls that was part of the earth. She worked the land and made it her own. She faithfully raised gods animals. She and George and the rest of the family raised children, grandchildren and great grandchildren leaving a legacy. It is a legacy we all benefit from. All of these good people, friends and family, make the world better.