Ruthie E. Henry, 88, Gas, passed away Friday, Sept. 27, 2013.
Born July 16, 1925, in Gas to Mark O. and Margaret Agnes (Titmus) Pierson, she graduated from Iola Senior High in 1943. Ruthie worked for the Social Service Department right out of high school for three years then for Social Rehabilitation Services, retiring after 40 years. Ruthie was presented with the diamond pin award for her 43 years of service from Governor John Carlin. She also worked for Joe Vandiver during tax season for 20 years.
On April 6, 1946, Ruthie married George G. (Bud) Henry in Nevada, Mo. He passed away Sept. 16, 1995.
She was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church and Altar Society, American Legion Auxiliary and Ladies VFW Auxiliary, was a volunteer and chairperson for the American Cancer Society for 46 years, Women’s Bowling Association, bowling up to age 87, and was a staunch Democrat. She was recognized as the longest living member of Gas City. Ruthie coached softball with her husband and they served as 4-H Horse project leaders. She served on the Gas City Planning Committee from 1975 to 1988 and was elected to the Gas City Council from 1997 to 2001.
Ruthie was a loving mother to her seven children, enjoyed her grandchildren, life, gardening, her flowers and was never shy to let you know her opinion.
Survivors include daughters Maggie Barnett, Iola, Pat Spencer (Ted), Gas, Julie Mader (Dave), Nevada, Mo.; sons, Mark Henry (Jerri), Gas, Rick Henry, Gas, Tim Henry (Teresa), Iola and Tom Henry (Jamie), Guy, Ark.; 25 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Bud of 49 years, sister, Fern Tinnel, brothers, infant Forrest, Warren, Joseph and Benny Pierson.
Visitation will be Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at St. John’s Parish Hall.
The parish rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Tuesday at St. John’s Catholic Church.
The funeral mass will be at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Iola, with burial to follow in St. John’s Cemetery in Gas.
Memorials are suggested to St. John’s Cemetery, Fee’s Park or Bowlus Fine Arts Center and may be left with the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel of Iola.
Online condolences may be left at www.iolafuneral.com.
Ruthie Henry
