Ryan Jackson Hensley

Ryan Jackson Hensley, 22, of Kalispell, passed away on Aug. 12, 2019.

He was born Oct. 23, 1996, in Kalispell, the son of Mark Hensley and Kristin Smith. He attended Hedges Elementary School, Kalispell Middle School and graduated from Glacier High School in 2015.

Ryan was a hard worker in life, always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed him — friends or family. Ryan worked as a nursing assistant at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, a security officer at Grizzly Security, a Wildlands firefighter and was an active volunteer at West Valley Fire and Rescue where he received honors reflecting his dedication. He was always a willing helping hand at Valley Bank of Kalispell, a valuable part of the Hensley banking family.

Ryan loved action, life and the great outdoors. He was active in trap shooting, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, dirt biking and even bull riding. Ryan was known for his adventurous spirit and willingness to try new things. He loved his dad’s orange ‘71 Chevy truck and spending time with good friends. He was known for his wide smile and infectious laugh. Ryan was loyal to his family and friends and was very caring of others. Ryan had a special bond with the children (Bella, 3) and (Jeremiah, 2) of his good friends Seth and Cheyenne West and (Cruz, 5), his roommate Dathan West’s son. They all affectionately knew him as “Uncle Ryan.”

Ryan is survived by his father and stepmom Mark and Michelle Hensley, and mother Kristin Smith, his brothers Logan Hensley, Jackson Hensley, Cooper Stein and Jesse Moore and sister Emily Deluco. He also leaves his maternal grandparents, Pat and Jackie Smith of Lakeside. Ryan is survived by his Uncle Corey Smith (Aunt Rhonda), Aunt Jane Hensley, Aunt Jean Estep (Uncle Brent), Aunt Joan Hensley Brennan (Uncle Joe), Aunt Sonya Hensley, many cousins, extended family and close friends, including Levi Thompson, Seth West and roommate Dathan West.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23, at Canvas Church, immediately followed by a celebration of Ryan’s life at Blaine Creek Grill (100 Hwy. 206).

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you would consider donations to the West Valley Fire and Rescue. Donations can be mailed to West Valley Fire and Rescue, 2412 Farm to Market Road, Kalispell, MT 59903.

On Saturday, Aug. 24, a graveside gathering of family and close friends will be held at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery.

Darlington Cremation and Burial Service is caring for Ryan and his family.

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