Ruth Jean Henderson, age 96, passed away Wednesday, April 15, 2026 in Texas, at Pecan Grove. Ruth was born near Page, North Dakota on Tuesday, October 8, 1929 to John and Mabel (Wulkan) Henderson. She grew up in the Hector, MN area.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Kenneth (Hermina), Glen (Esther), and Paul (Emma), all of Minnesota. She is survived by three nieces and five nephews, many great nieces and nephews, and a host of dear friends.

The following is an excerpt from Ruth's memoir, written in 1991.

"I went in the work in Minnesota in 1956. After two years it was arranged I go to South Dakota, and I was there nineteen years. The next thirteen years were in Wyoming, and now at this writing I am back in Minnesota again. That one choice that eclipsed all the others has resulted in many rich experiences which alone would fill a book."

After helping with her mother's care, Ruth went to New Mexico in 1995 and was there for nineteen years before going to Texas in 2014. She spent seven years in Texas, returning to New Mexico in 2021. She moved to Pecan Grove in March of 2025.

In her memoir she wrote "I've enjoyed all of life. The experiences of life and life itself teach us how to enjoy it more and more. If I were to give any suggestions, it would be to just enjoy each day as it comes, and live it for something that will outlast it."