HAMILTON - Carol W. Ransom was born in Pennsylvania where she met Carl Hensel at 19 years old. The two eloped after dating for three months and remained married for fifteen years. They had three children, Patricia, Michael (deceased in 2020), and Craig. After divorcing Carl, Carol visited a dear friend in Hamilton, Montana in 1977 and fell completely in love with Montana. Montana would be Carol’s home for the rest of her years.

Carol had her own successful hairdressing business, providing haircuts and perms for many people in Hamilton. She was an avid tennis player. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, socializing with friends and playing games. She was a wonderful artist and poet, participating in a weekly art group - painting the flowers and scenery she loved. She won several blue ribbons at the County Fair and other local art contests for her watercolor paintings. Carol was an animal lover her entire life and loved her dogs like family. Her two beloved dogs Dukey and Chica provided so much joy and comfort to Carol during what ended up being her last months. Carol’s dogs were everything to her. Carol is survived by her daughter Patricia Hensel of Hamilton, son Craig Hensel (Katie) of Billings, daughter-in-law Bette Hensel (Pennsylvania), and her sister Patti Johnson (Oregon). Carol’s sister Gloria Brough (Pennsylvania) passed in 2024. Carol is also survived by nieces and nephew Gloria Trahey (Nevada), Sharon Cox (Oregon) and Eric Johnson (Oregon), and grandchildren Shannon Locher (Tom) (Pennsylvania), Bryan Hensel (Pennsylvania), Nicholas Hensel (Pennsylvania), and Matthew Hensel (Pennsylvania), and many dear friends.

Carol was unfortunately diagnosed with pancreatic cancer earlier this year. As per Carol’s final wishes, she has donated her body to science and research. She will eventually be cremated and her ashes spread in the Bitterroot. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Bitter Root Humane Association in Carol’s name. A celebration of life will be held at Daly-Leach Chapel in Hamilton, Montana, at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, November 21, 2025.