She died of paralysis.

OBITUARY: Mrs. Mary A. Hensley, for some years a resident of Salem, died in that city on the 22d inst., aged 54 years. She had been helpless from paralysis since 1876. The funeral took place on the 24th inst. The Daily Oregonian 26 October 1881

Her full name is Mary Ann Caldwell Elder , married name Hensley. She was born September 9, 1827 in Butler,Ohio. Death Oct 22, 1881, in Salem Marion County,Oregon. She married William Wallace Hensley: February 22, 1847, Marion Illinois.

Family links:

Parents:
 James Elder (1796 - 1850)
 Margaret Caldwell Elder (1804 - 1881)

Inscription: Mary A. C. Wife of W. W. Hensley Born Sept. 9, 1827 Died Oct. 22, 1881

Burial: Salem Pioneer Cemetery Salem Marion County Oregon, USA Plot: 727 Her "Find a Grave" memorial number is #24498373