Eva (Bonagofski) Hensley passed away on April 11, 2025, at the age of 90 years old. She is preceded in death by her two eldest children, Darrell Martin and Jackie Martin (Mott). Her three remaining children are Jeffrey R. Martin, Shelly Martin (Cannon), and Aaron Hensley. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, James Buchell, Jennifer Cannon (Krohn), Justin Brossard, Jacques Custodio, Chris Cannon, and Trishia Martin.
Eva was born into a family of 14, and as one of the eldest children, she took care of her younger siblings and began working at a very young age to help support the family. Caring for her younger brothers and sisters and working at a very young age set her on her path of a lifetime of caring for people in her personal life as well as in her chosen profession. She loved and cared for many and welcomed extended family and friends into her home when they experienced difficulty in their lives. She provided for their basic needs and necessities until they could become independent. She shopped at thrift stores and garage sales, always keeping in mind the vast array of friends and families that she knew, buying them clothing and other necessities, which brought her great joy. She also enjoyed playing bingo and visiting with her friends.
She started out working on her uncle’s farm at eight years old as well as doing her chores at home. She began working in the private sector at approximately age 14 as a nurse aide and eventually found her calling as a cook in the kitchen at a local nursing care home. Eventually, she attended Olympic College in Olympia, Washington, and received her certificate as a dietary supervisor. She made a routine of going into work two hours prior to her shift beginning. When asked why she went to work early, always with a smile, she stated that she wanted her kitchen set up and ready so that she ensured that the food was suitable to eat.
After working in nursing care facilities for most of her working life, she worked as an in-home caregiver and, true to her nature, she treated those that she cared for like part of her own family. Our mother enjoyed people to the extent that she never met a stranger and always was willing to help.
Our family would like to thank Jimmy, Patient Care Coordinator, and the care providers at the Sharon Care Center for their kind, patient, and loving care that my mom received for nearly four years. She was treated so well she came to feel that the Sharon Care Center was her second home.
