Jean LaRue Hensley Christian, 84, passed away on December 31, 2022, after a brief illness. She was raised in Versailles, KY and moved with her young family to Garrard County in 1964 and then to Mercer County in 1983. She is preceded in death by her mother, Sara Tingle Hensley, her father, John Owen Hensley, and her daughter, Sara Katherine Christian. She is survived by her husband of 66 years, William “Buddy” Christian, and daughters, Becky (Ralph Feldman) Christian and Jennifer (Shayne) Biser. She dearly loved her grandchildren, Robbie (Alyson) Sutton, Sara McCutcheon, and Christian (Kristen) Sutton. But most of all, she enjoyed spending time with and spoiling her great grandchildren, Keelie Cocanougher, Hayden McCaden, and Lila McCutcheon. She will also be missed by her close friends, Jennie and the entire Smither family.
Jean was a gifted seamstress who not only sewed for her family (she loved making matching dresses for the girls and a shirt for Dad), but also made several wedding/bridesmaid dresses for loved ones. When time would permit, she treasured creating stunning things, flower gardening, baking, taking pictures, and crocheting.
She was a dedicated nurse, first in Cardiology and Psych and eventually ending her career as an Industrial Nurse. Retirement didn’t come easy, so she decided to return to the workplace in her early 70’s in the Admissions office at Haggin Memorial Hospital. She finally retired for good at the age of 75.
Perhaps Jean’s greatest passion was to cook for her crowds of family and friends (as long as you stayed out of her kitchen!). She was a fierce caregiver and her concern for the safety of her friends and family was intense. After visiting, she would always ask that you call when you got home so she would know that you were safe.
There is a small service planned at Hillcrest Cemetery, delivered by Marc Smither, followed by a Celebration of Jean’s life on April 1st. The family would also like to acknowledge Harrodsburg EMS (Heather is so calming), the Air-Vac team (so precise and professional), Bluegrass Care Navigators (Caleb is the kindest), and Care Cremation & Funeral Services (Ed Noon and Artie Winchester, close friends) who guided us through a very long and unexpected week.
Care Cremation and Funeral Service is honored to be entrusted with final care.