Audrey’s Story
Audrey was born on March 24, 2001. She was a vibrant, smart, kind, and beautiful girl who touched the lives of everyone she came in contact with. She was a shining example of determination and had a zest for life that was inspiring and infectious. Audrey spent the first 9 years of her life growing up in Farmland, Indiana, loving princesses, softball, baby dolls, and spending time with her friends and cousins.
When Audrey was in 4th grade, the Hensley family moved to Portage, Michigan. She quickly switched from softball to soccer because she loved that there was no standing around in soccer! She joined Portage Lightning Soccer Club, where she found lifelong friendships. Her love of soccer led her to becoming a 3 year varsity starter at Portage Northern High School, where she earned several awards including team captain. At Portage Northern she was also a member of the National Honor Society and earned an IB Honors diploma as a 2019 graduate.
Of all of Audrey’s high school accomplishments and memories, we’re sure she would tell you that her favorite thing about high school was meeting the love of her life, her soulmate Gavin Vinstra. They shared a passion for soccer and a love for Michigan State University, where they both went on to attend. Gavin was and is truly a member of the family, often accompanying them on vacations, tailgates, and ballgames. The couple loved to golf, cook together, watch Formula One racing and MSU sports, and spend time at Gavin’s family’s lakehouse. Their Bernedoodle Mollie was their “baby”, going everywhere with them.
Michigan State University was Audrey’s “happy place”, and she was often found yelling “Go Green!” As a nutrition major she was so proud to have an opportunity to intern with the football team for a season and get to cheer them on from the sidelines! She was also incredibly proud to be a member of Delta Gamma sorority, where she served as an officer. Their motto of Do Good was perfect for Audrey, for that is how she truly lived her life.
After graduating from MSU in May of 2023 her dreams took her to Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana to work on her Master’s degree in dietetics. She was almost finished with her first semester when her dreams were ripped away from her on November 24, 2023.
Audrey was well known for her great sense of humor and sarcastic wit. Her contagious smile lit up every room she walked into. A beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, cousin, girlfriend, friend, teammate, and roommate, Audrey was a delight to all she met. She exemplified what it meant to pour your heart and soul into everything without expecting anything in return. Her legacy will be that she will be remembered for her compassion and joy for everyone in her life. When she said, “I love you”, and she said it often, she meant it.
Our beautiful Audrey gained her angel wings on November 24, 2023, when the car she was riding in was hit by a reckless speeding driver. Her sweet Gavin was critically injured and their precious Mollie dog was killed. Gavin is making a miraculous recovery, and we are so thankful for that every day. God had so many plans for Audrey’s future here on earth, and while we will miss her every single day for the rest of our lives, we know this foundation is now His plan for us, helping us heal as we continue to spread the light, love, and compassion that our precious girl showered on others.
**Parts were taken from her Lifestory written by Betzler Funeral Home.
