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HENSEL -- Randy Baca Hensel of Scottsdale, Arizona died peacefully January 4, 2009. Randy was predeceased by William G. Smith and Len Hensel. She is survived by her children Johnna Marie Baca, Phoenix, AZ and Raymond Charles Baca of Modesto, CA. Stepchildren include Robin Smith, Jacksonville FL; Kim Smith Williams, Los Angeles, CA; Gregory A. Smith, Phoenix, AZ; Lynn Hensel Gentry, Decatur AL; Jane H. Bachman, San Diego, CA; and five grandchildren. The accomplishments of Randy's professional life were eclipsed only by an exuberant personality that gave freely of her gifts and talents to family, friends and community. Randy moved to the greater Phoenix area from her beloved Albuquerque NM in 1976 and established the Arizona Small Business Association in 1977. Randy further used her expertise in small business operations to successfully write and publish Setting Up Shop, a book used in business courses around the country. From 1979 until 1994, Randy was with Maricopa County government filling a wide variety of positions including Assistant Director/Grants & Contract Administration; the Human Resources Department; Director Community & Economic Development Department (where she was the first woman appointed full department head in County history); Acting Director Public Health and the ADA Coordinator for Maricopa County. Randy served as President of the Phoenix Soroptomists and founded Arizona Women's Education and Employment Inc. (AWEE) during the 1980's. In 1994 Randy elected to take early 'retirement,' and she then began working to finalize and facilitate construction (with her business partner) of a new FM Radio Station in Phoenix, KBUQ-FM. The station was later sold in 1998. In late 1995 Randy was persuaded to assume the position of Interim Executive Director of the YWCA. Although a new director was named within months, Randy remained actively involved with the goals and programs of the YWCA working to improved facilities, upgrade technological services, find additional funding sources, including obtaining funding from the Phoenix Thunderbirds for Haven House, a women's halfway house which Randy named and remained deeply committed to over the years. In 2008 Randy was honored with the Dorothy Willey Award for her years of service to the YWCA of Maricopa County. Randy was honored with numerous awards from community groups over the years, as well as being named to the International Women's Year Commission by President Gerald R. Ford. The welfare of women was of utmost importance to Randy and she also served on the Commission on the Status of Women for the states of both Arizona and New Mexico. Those who knew and loved Randy were very familiar with her signature signing-off phrase, "love you, mean it." Services were held on Wednesday, January 7, 2009 in Phoenix. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Jewish National Fund Trees for Israel 78 Randall Ave Rockville Center, NY 11570, the Society for Crypto Judaic Studies 333 Washington Blvd. #336 Marina Del Rey, CA 90292 or The Baca Endowment Fund of the YWCA of Maricopa County 755 E Willetta St. Phoenix, AZ 85006. Arrangements by Sinai Mortuary of Arizona
        Published on: Wed January 07, 2009