Ruthie Henry

Ruthie E. Henry, 88, of Gas, Kansas, passed away September 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 Social Service Dept. right out of high school for 3 years then Social Rehabilitation Dept. 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 September 16, 1995. She was a member of St. John's Catholic Church & Altar Society, American Legion Auxiliary & Ladies VFW Auxiliary, was a volunteer and chairperson for the American Cancer Society for 46 years, Women's Bowling Association - bowled 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 7 children, enjoyed her grandchildren, life, gardening, her flowers and was never shy to let you know her opinion. Survivors include daughters: Maggie Barnett of Iola, Pat Spencer (Ted) of Gas; sons: Mark Henry (Jerri) of Gas, Rick Henry of Gas; daughter: Julie Mader (Dave) of Nevada, MO; sons: Tim Henry (Teresa) of Iola and Tom Henry (Jamie) of Guy, Arkansas; 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 & Benny Pierson. Visitation will be Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2013 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at St. John's Parish Hall. The parish rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday at St. John's Catholic Church. The funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2013 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, which is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences for the family may be left on this website, www.iolafuneral.com .