Kathy Hensley, co-owner of The Silver Spoon, died unexpectedly on Saturday, September 18, 2021, one day after her 67th birthday. She was born in Harlan, KY September 17, 1954, to Imogene and Bert Hensley. Kathy graduated from Oldham County High School in 1972 and from Eastern Kentucky University in 1976 where she was the vice-president of Alpha Gamma Delta an international women’s organization committed to providing personal development, service to others and the space for members to forge their own paths — all through a lifelong spirit of sisterhood. Their vision statement is to inspire woman and impact the world. Kathy certainly did make an impact.
Kathy and her college friend, Phillip Koenig, opened The Silver Spoon caterers in 1982 with the guidance of three friends: Jack Segal, Sonny Altman and Al Solomon. Inez Segal, wife of Jack, named the business that has become a Louisville icon. “The Spoon” has served many dignitaries including Billy Graham, which was a magnificent highlight for Kathy. She and Phillip had the priviledge to meet and serve four presidents: George H. W. Bush, President and Mrs. George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama and they catered the inauguration of Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson, the cocktail party for the opening of The Kentucky Center for the Arts, the dinner for 1,800 people at the grand opening of The Muhammad Ali Museum and the Breeder’s Cup. The Silver Spoon was always the favored caterer for many local events including The Derby Museum Galas and they were always very generous to the Heuser Hearing Institute, the Rock Creek Horse Show, various AIDS events and the Family Scholar House, a youth organization that Kathy held close to her heart.
Kathy and Phillip were not only business partners, they were the best of friends. Seldom did you see one without the other. They worked and played together. They entertained and were entertained by their grand group of friends. Kathy will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege to call her “friend”.
She was predeceased by her parents, her sister and brother-in-law, Patricia H. and Bill H. Barnes. Survivors include her sister Betty H. “Jo” Nichter and her husband, Elmer, as well as nieces and nephews Jimmy, Travis and Jason Nichter, Billy Barnes and Laura Hoeweller and her dear friend Phillip Koenig.
Visitation will take place from 3:00-6:00 p.m., Friday, September 24, 2021 at Stoess Funeral Home, 6534 West Highway 22, Crestwood, KY. The Celebration of Kathy’s Life will be from 2:00-5:00 p.m. Sunday, September 26, 2021, at The Henry Clay, 604 South Third Street, Louisville, KY.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Family Scholar House, 403 Reg Smith Circle, Louisville, KY 40208.
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