Mildred Louise Bensinger

Mildred Louise Bensinger, died in her home in Arley, Alabama, April 27, 2023 after a brief illness. A true gift to those who knew her, she was born December 25, 1931 to Mattie Bell Collier Windsor and Shirley Theron Windsor in Gadsden, Alabama. She graduated from Gadsden High School in 1950 and went to work as an administrative assistant at Allis Chalmers where she met the love of her life, John Robert Bensinger. They married on March 14, 1954 at Twelfth Street Baptist Church where they were members. Shortly after starting their family, they moved to Huntsville, Alabama, and joined Highlands Baptist Church where she was a member for 54 years. In her later years, she was a member of Arley Baptist Church.

Louise, to her friends, or Gran to her family, thrived as a wife, mother, and homemaker.

She explored many interests over the years, including gardening, bird watching, collecting snowmen and artwork, and volunteering with various ministries. She had an instinctive curiosity for and love of nature and found humor and joy in God’s creation. Louise used her gifts of art, decorating, and attention to detail to foster in others a love of reading and books while serving for many years as church librarian at Highlands Baptist Church. Here also, she organized Young at Heart, ministry to senior adults. She continued this ministry over the years as she volunteered in various events with the Women’s Group in Arley. Louise loved to study and learn from God’s Word and so she taught Sunday School for countless years. She often humbly said, she did not know the most, but she sought to know and loved to study in order to teach.

Her family treasured her and her love of a good laugh and pun. She loved board games and taught us many, never backing down from learning a new game or challenge or taking us down at Scrabble. She patiently sat on the floor with her grandchildren to play, listen, or read one of the many books she gave them. Louise has been the family historian, sharing family stories, gathering, and organizing photos, and making each feel loved and connected.

Louise was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, John Robert Bensinger. She leaves behind her daughter Beth (and Jeff) McLarty of Arley, Alabama, her son Brad (and Ivett) Bensinger of Troy, Alabama, and three grandchildren, Olivia (and Andrew) Bensinger Key, Jacob Bensinger, and Adam Bensinger.

Visitation will be Sunday, April 30th at 12:30pm, followed by 2pm funeral service at Valhalla Funeral Home, 698 Winchester Road, Huntsville, AL. Louise gave generously to senior and children’s ministries throughout her life. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made in her memory to: Arley Smith Lake Senior Outreach Center (P.O. Box 116, Arley, Alabama 35541) or Alabama Baptist CHILDREN’S HOMES and Family Ministries (2681 Rocky Ridge Lane, Birmingham, Alabama, 35216). Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.valhallafunerals.com for the Bensinger family.