Gary Henslee left to join his savior on April 27, 2024.
He was born in Spokane, Washington, to Paul and Garaldine Henslee on May 23, 1939. After graduating from North Central High School he moved to Seattle and went to work for Boeing before joining the Army. While stationed at Fort Lewis, he met the love of his life, Pam Marshall.
They were married in 1962 and enjoyed 61 years of married life together. They adopted two children, Michael and Julie, and in 1977, Gary, Pam and the kids moved to Yelm after purchasing a small farm.
They spent the next 36 years raising their family and becoming country folk, raising their own animals and growing vegetables. Gary rarely missed one of his children’s school events although he traveled for work a lot through their high school years. He was very involved in his church and participated in many church events. Gary really enjoyed classic cars, and his restored 1956 Ford Crown Victoria was his favorite. He and Pam spent many happy weekends at car shows around the area.
The last 20 years of his life, after Gary and Pam retired, they became snowbirds, spending their winters in Yuma, Arizona. They met many wonderful friends and enjoyed going to Los Algodones, Mexico, for many happy hours.
Gary died peacefully in his home with his wife by his side. He is survived by his wife, Patricia “Pam” Henslee, his son, Michael Henslee, his daughter, Julie Shipe, and his two grandsons, Steven Henslee and Nathan Shipe, his sister Joyce Norwood, along with many other loving friends and relatives.
Services will be held on Friday, May 31, at 11 a.m. at St. Columban’s Catholic Church in Yelm, Washington.
