Laurie Henselen

Our dear wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Laurie Jane Hawkins Henselen returned to her Heavenly Father on February 5, 2015, while recovering from back surgery in St. George, Utah. She was 65 years old. She was born to Grant and Marjorie Hawkins on July 22, 1949 in Oakland, California. She was the third of six children, and grew up in Oakland. Everyone who knew her was drawn to her fun personality. While attending BYU, Laurie met Jay Henselen, and they married in 1970. They were later sealed in the St. George Temple. They were married for 44 years. Together Laurie and Jay had many adventures and moved many times. They lived in numerous places from Nome, Alaska, to Cedar City, Utah. The joy of Laurie's life was being a Mom and raising her three children. She always made time for her grandchildren and often tended the young ones. Laurie helped support her husband through his schooling. She had many hobbies and talents and loved embroidery, jewelry making, and even painting nails for the elderly at the rest home. She volunteered many hours and was very generous with her time, talents, and resources. She enjoyed learning how to navigate the internet so she could communicate with her grandkids and friends. She was always a good friend, and she used to say, "You have to be a friend to have a friend." She had friends of every age. Laurie was close with all of her siblings and parents and spoke with them daily. Laurie was generous with her time and loved serving the Savior in her church callings. She served in many capacities including the Primary, Young Women's, and Relief Society. Laurie always loved Visit Teaching, and held to the motto: "It's All Good." People knew they could tell her anything and receive unconditional love. Laurie is preceded in death by her father, Grant Hawkins. She is survived by her husband, Jay Henselen; son, James (Natalie), children, Taylor and Kaden; daughter, Heather (Paul), children Brendan and Ava; daughter Alyson (Dustin), children Raegan, Avery, and Carter; mother, Marjorie Hawkins; siblings Jill (David), Bonnie (Chuck), David (Carol), Kent (Connie), Randy (Donna). Viewing will be held Monday, February 9, at the LDS Cedar 16th ward building: 1925 West, 300 South, Cedar City, Utah, from 6:00-8:00, and on Tuesday, from 11:30-12:30 at the Church. The funeral service will be held Tuesday, February 10, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. Interment services will take place following the funeral at Cedar City Cemetery under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary. Online condolences can be sent to www.sumortuary.com Special thanks to Dr. Cole, the Coral Desert caregivers and physical therapy team, and her loving friends and relatives who supported Laurie through her recovery. Thanks to Southern Utah Mortuary, Bishop Greg Brown, and all the loving and supportive members of the ward and community.