July 18, 1942 – July 9, 2026
Carol L. Hensley (Nelson) was born on July 18, 1942, in Austin, Minnesota, the oldest of six children born to her parents, Edmund and Lorraine Nelson. Carol passed away on July 9, 2026, after being hospitalized in Temecula, CA, with an unexpected lung illness.
Carol is survived by her brothers, William, Richard, Gary and David; her daughter, Alexis Smith (Hensley); and her grandchildren, Ava, Sydney, and Grayson, as well as her son-in-law, Rodrick; sisters-in-law; and several nieces and nephews.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Edmund and Lorraine, sister Sandra, and daughter Tracey.
Carol grew up in Austin, Minnesota and graduated from Austin High School in 1960, and went on to earn her Associate’s Degree from Austin Community College. While Carol moved to Colorado and Virginia for short time periods, and eventually to San Diego in 1990 with her daughter Alexis, Carol always considered Minnesota “home”. She would share stories of her family, friends, and Dansih heritage often. For the majority of her life, Carol worked as a Medical Transcriptionist, where she made long-lasting friendships with friends that became like family. Upon retiring from transcription, she worked at Steinmart, where she enjoyed being with the public and meeting new people.
Carol was faithful, selfless, and giving. She enjoyed knitting (many of you likely have one of her blankets, scarves, hats, or dishclothes), scrapbooking, reading, watching movies and mysteries, playing Bridge weekly with her friends, and grabbing a cup of coffee or a bite to eat. Carol enjoyed watching sports, particularly the Minnesota Vikings and Twins (a love/hate relationship).
Anyone that knew Carol, knew her grandchildren were her pride and joy. You would find her cheering them on at various sporting events, making cookies, or just simply spending time. Holidays were always a special time, with shared family traditions and memories. One of Carol’s favorite quotes was, “You don’t choose family. They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them”, and she embraced that.
We will celebrate Carol’s life on July 31, 2026, at 10:00am at Murrieta Valley Funeral Home, 24651 Washington Ave, Murrieta, CA 92562.
