Ruth Strauss Henderson, 85, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012, at her home, from ALS.
Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 2, at Brownson Memorial Presbyterian Church, with burial in Iowa.
Ruth was born in Yonkers, N.Y., to Alfred and Florence Strauss. She grew up in Crestwood, N.Y., graduated from Roosevelt High School, then attended Bucknell University, where she graduated with a degree in business and commerce in 1949.
In 1951 she married John (Jack) Henderson, her college sweetheart. They lived in New York, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and finally Cedar Rapids, Iowa. There Ruth went back to school, attending four different colleges to earn her teaching certification. She taught business classes at Marion High School in Marion, Iowa, for 20 years.
Ruth and Jack retired to Pinehurst, where she was active in the Coalition for Human Care, was a charter member of PEO Chapter AZ, and enjoyed her book club and bridge group. She was an active member of Brownson Memorial Presbyterian Church and a Stephen minister there.
Three words capture the essence of Ruth’s life: family, friends and smile. She made family gatherings a priority and loved being with her grandchildren; she was a faithful and devoted friend to many, wherever she lived; and her smile was warm, friendly and contagious to all.
She was preceded in death by her son, Robert. Surviving family include her husband, Jack; daughter Ruth Ann (Ed) Wadsworth; grandchildren John, Robert, Greg, son John (Signe) Henderson and grandchildren Lisa, Erin, Dana, Sean and two great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law Jean and Dave Spangler.
The family would like to thank the Hospice and Home Choice caregivers who took care of Ruth.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Brownson Memorial Presbyterian Church or FirstHealth Hospice and Palliative Care.
Online condolences may be made at www.boles
funeralhome.com.
Boles Funeral Home of Pinehurst is serving the family.
View Full Information → Obituary for Ruth S. Henderson