Janice Sue Ashley Hensley passed away Jan. 9, 2026. Born Feb. 2, 1945, she was preceded in death by her grandparents Lena and Hiram Duvall and parents Merlene and John David Ashley, of Beaver Dam, Ky. She is remembered in life by her husband, Hunter Cameron Hensley of Blacksburg; daughters Carmen Jo Barnes and husband, Birch Barnes, of Newton Grove, N.C. and Erika Lynette Hensley Foster and husband, Scott Alan Foster; grandchildren, Cameron David Foster and Thomas Alan Foster, of Hillsborough, N.C.; Rachel Duvall Kohl and husband, Kasey Kohl and Matthew Jack Kohl and Katie Anne Kohl, of Blacksburg; her sister, Jo Jo Duvall Russelburg and her daughter Jenna Palmer and husband John Palmer; and great nephew Cormac Palmer, Owensboro, Ky.
Janice was a graduate of the University of Kentucky with a BS in Home Economics (1967) and MS in Clinical Nutrition (1969). She taught Clinical Nutrition at the University of Kentucky, University of Hawaii, Eastern Kentucky University and Berea College. Following the birth of the third daughter, Janice was the shepherd of the “family flock” for more than 58 years, including her husband, daughters and their families, and throughout the years- a flock of sheep, goats, horses, donkeys, chickens, ducks and guinea fowls.
Her hand-processed, naturally dyed, hand-spun woolen yarns and hand-woven woolen blankets and shawls are prized possessions by those fortunate enough to acquire them. She was guest lecturer at the National Textile Museum in Washington, DC. She was most often appreciated and revered for her knowledge of wool processing of the fleeces from her prized, heritage breed Leicester Longwool Sheep at various 18th century re-enactment gatherings, including the George Washington Mount Vernon Estate Colonial Market and Fair, where she was a much appreciated sutler for many years.
Services are private. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested for the Good Samaritan Hospice House of Roanoke. All donations made to Good Samaritan Hospice are fully tax deductible. Donations may be made online at http://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink or by check by mail: Good Samaritan Hospice, Attn: Development, 4751 Cove Road NW, Roanoke, VA 24017.
