Nellie Henderson

Nellie Ruth Henderson, of Mexia, passed away in Henderson, Texas on December 16, 2020 at the age of 88.  A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, December 20, 2020 in the Mexia Cemetery with Mr. Jan Harrison officiating.  Honorary pallbearers will be Charlie Pickett, Mike Morton, Spike Morton, Hunter Graham, Kyle Henderson and Russell Marshburn.

Ruth was born May 7, 1932 in Oletha, Texas to Charlie & Nellie Castilow Sanders.  She married Ray Gene Henderson on January 29, 1949 in Groesbeck, Texas and began her career as a wife, mother, and business partner.  Ruth was a natural born caretaker, nurturer, had a big heart and a home that was open to everyone.

Soon after she and Ray Gene married, there was a need to help her mother and younger siblings, so they welcomed them into their home.  She was always willing to help anyone that needed help.  Ruth was a hard worker; she kept a clean home, took care of her children, kept books for Ray Gene’s business, or businesses, and usually had something cooking on the stove at the same time.  She was a wonderful cook and, according to her family, made the best red beans and cornbread of anyone.

There was no doubt Ruth loved the Lord and loved serving Him by the way she lived her life.  She treated everyone the same and always looked for the good in people rather than the seeing the bad.  Ruth loved her family with all her heart, a feeling that was certainly mutual.  She will be remembered by her beautiful smile and loving, caring ways.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie and Nellie Sanders; her husband of 65 years, Ray Gene Henderson; sons, Huey Ray and Steven Lynn Henderson; son-in-law, Tommy Pickett; grandson-in-law, Damon Allen; and siblings, Jack Sanders, Marsha Sanders and Betty Guest.

Ruth is survived by her daughter, Kathy Pickett; daughter-in-law, Leah Henderson; grandchildren, Kasey Allen, Charlie Pickett and wife, Leslie, Mika Jackson and husband, Kent, Kyle Henderson and wife, Katie, Keith Henderson, and Hannah Graham and husband, Hunter; great grandchildren, Kaitlyn Allen and fiancé, Trevor Quade,  Cameron and Madison Allen, Laynee and Jace Pickett, Carter and Ella Wheat, Tripp Jackson, Gavin, Kylie and Scarlett Henderson, Noah Welch, Avery Henderson, and Huey Gunner Graham; great-great grandson, Malachai; sisters, Darlene Morton, Martha Marshburn and husband, Wayne, Sue Hendricks and husband, Bill, and Rhonda Horton and husband, Cliff; sister-in-law, Juanita Henderson; and numerous nieces and nephews.