Alice May Henshaw, daughter of James A. and Minnie Etta (Coombs) Hirst, was born on January 25, 1912, at Archer, Nebraska. She passed away on Thursday, March 6, 2008, at Elm Heights Care Center in Shenandoah, Iowa, at the age of 96.

Her early life was spent in Archer until the age of 14, when she and her family moved to Essex, Iowa. She graduated from Essex High School with the Class of 1930. On June 2, 1930, Alice was united in marriage to Marvin C. "Banty" Henshaw in Glenwood, Iowa. Following their marriage they made their home in Shenandoah. To this union one son, Richard was born. Alice worked for the Earl May Seed Company and in later years at the China and Glass Shoppe. She was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church in Shenandoah. She taught Sunday School and was chairman of the May Breakfast for many years. Alice always looked forward to playing bridge with her many different bridge clubs.

Preceding Alice in death were her parents; son, Richard L. Henshaw; two brothers, James and Arthur Hirst; five sisters, Thelma Hirst, Lalah Bright, Gladys Callison, Lucille Karrle and Maxine Edwards. Survivors include her daughter-in-law, Karee Henshaw of Kansas City, MO; five grandchildren, Michelle Slowey and her husband Niall of Bryan, TX, Mark Henshaw and his wife Ann of St. Joseph, MO, Matt Henshaw of Smithville, MO, and Chris Henshaw and his wife Rhonda of Oahu, HI; Jason Henshaw and his wife Kimberley of Kansas City, MO. She is also survived by two sisters, Francis Walton of Savannah, MO, and LaDonna Good of Denver, CO; 14 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; other relatives and friends.

Funeral Services were held from the First Baptist Church ABC in Shenandoah, Iowa on Sunday, March 9, 2008 at 2:30 p.m. Words of Comfort were given by Rev. Gary Fuller. In charge of the Memory Register was Sue Berry. Caring for Flowers were The Wednesday Morning Coffee Group, Cleta Fuhr, Hallie Blackmon, Fran Anderson, Lavonne Weller, and Arlyne Collins. Ushers were Wes Hart and Mike Wright. The Soloist was Glen Sheirbon and Pianist was Margaret Woods. Special Music for the service was "In the Garden" and "Morning Has Broken". Casket Bearers were Mark Henshaw, Matt Henshaw, Chris Henshaw, Jason Henshaw, Nathan Henshaw, and Steve Edwards. Honorary Casket Bearers were Collin Slowey, Shane Slowey, Ashton Henshaw, Chandler Henshaw, and Tristan Henshaw. Interment was in Rose Hill Cemetery in Shenandoah on Monday, March 10, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. Memorials in Alice's name are being directed to the First Baptist Church.