Rodney William Hensley
Rodney William Hensley passed away on December 13, 2024.
He was born on March 10, 1933, in Centralia, Washington, to Harry Alexander and Mabel Ruth Hensley. He graduated from the University of Washington, where he majored in Business.
After graduating, Rod joined the U.S. Air Force and became a pilot, flying reconnaissance missions off the eastern seaboard. Following his service, Rod worked for Aetna Insurance before founding his own company, Rod Hensley & Associates.
Rod had a passion for sports and excelled in downhill mogul ski racing in the Lake Tahoe area of California. In 1989, he met Terri in the San Francisco Bay Area. They were married the following year and enjoyed 34 happy years together.
Rod began his dedication to the humanitarian goals of Rotary International in Lincoln, California, after retiring in 2005.
Upon moving to San Antonio Tlayacapan, Rod joined the Rotary Club of Ajijic, where he actively supported efforts to aid the Tepehua Centro Comunitario by connecting the Lincoln Rotary Club as partners in fundraising and work projects. He was instrumental in renovating the Tepehua building and hosted California Rotary members to assist with the efforts.
Rod played a pivotal role in securing a Global Grant with the Lincoln Rotary for the Maternal Health Clinic in Ajijic and another grant to install a solar-based water purification system at Tepehua. He served as the Lincoln Rotary’s liaison for donations to the Tepehua Community Center and Ojo de Agua.
In 2014, Rod became a charter member of the Rotary Club of Chapala Sunrise, where he continued his commitment to service. He chaired two golf tournaments, including one as part of a week-long tribute to International Women’s Week. Rod participated in numerous hands-on service projects well into his 90s, including the painting of a mural in Ojo de Agua and assisting with the setup of the Feria de Maestros crafts fair. He served on the board of trustees of the Rotary Club of Chapala Sunrise and warmly welcomed members and visitors at every Thursday meeting.
Rod’s positive attitude, energy, and thoughtful consideration of others will be deeply missed.
Rod is survived by his three children, Kelly Hensley Williams (Vernon Paul Williams), Kenneth Casey Ballinger, and Kerry Hensley Ballinger (Michael Ballinger); stepdaughters Nicole Smith Garwood (Richard Garwood) and Kellie Marie Smith; grandsons Matthew Kyle Williams (Brittany Lewis Williams) and Nicolas Park Ballinger (Michelin Trisno); and step-granddaughters Kathryn Garwood and Caroline Garwood. He is also survived by his sister, Carolyn Bickel. Rod was preceded in death by his son, Kenneth Casey Hensley, and his sister, Sharon O’Hearn.
Donations in Rod’s memory can be made to the Rotary Club of Chapala Sunrise by contacting Barbara Wilson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..