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Henderson, Ruth Strauss
Ruth Strauss Henderson, 85, passed away at home in Pinehurst, N.C., Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012, from ALS.
She was born in Yonkers, N.Y., to Alfred and Florence Strauss. Ruth 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, N.C., where she was active in the Coalition for Human Care, 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 husband, Jack; daughter, Ruth Ann (Ed) Wadsworth and grandchildren, John, Robert and Greg; son, John (Signe) Henderson and grandchildren, Lisa, Erin, Dana and Sean; 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.
Funeral services are 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 2, at Brownson Memorial Presbyterian Church, with burial in Iowa.
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.bolesfuneralhome.com
Boles Funeral Home of Pinehurst, N.C., is serving the family.
Published Aug. 31, 2012 in The Gazette
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