Mary R. Henderson's Obituary
Mary Ruth Gregg Henderson, lovingly known as Ruthie, Aunt Ruthie, and Memaw, passed away on April 28, 2026, at Rambling Oaks Courtyard in Highland Village, TX, where she was surrounded by loved ones.
Mary Ruth was born on October 2, 1933, in Hopkins County, TX, to her parents Mary Rebecca Kitts Gregg and Hugh Mark Gregg. She grew up in Sulphur Springs, TX, where she attended high school and made many lifelong friends.
On March 17, 1952, Mary Ruth married William Richard “Dick” Henderson. Together, they built a life centered around family, faith, love, and hard work. She began her career at Collins Radio, where she met “Dick,” before leaving work to raise her family. In 1972, she and her beloved sister Josephine, whom she lovingly called “Josie,” purchased Suzanne’s Florist on Lovers Lane in Dallas, TX. Her creativity was evident not only in her floral and holiday creations, but also in her homemaking, decorating, cooking, baking, and the many other ways she expressed her love for others.
The Richardson Garden Club had a valuable member in Mary Ruth. She won several awards for her design ability. She was also active in her community as a basketball coach and was an attending member of Spring Valley Methodist Church.
Mary Ruth was, in every sense of the word, a matriarch. She taught her children the value of caring for others. Her home was a gathering place, and she created unforgettable memories for her family. She was generous with her time, her creative endeavors, and most of all, her loving heart. She was always put together; dressed, with hair and makeup done, embodying the grace and charm of a true Southern woman.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William Richard Henderson; her parents, Mary Rebecca Kitts Gregg and Hugh Mark Gregg; her daughter, Debra Kay Cole Hamilton; her son, Richard Kenton Henderson; her grandson, Richard Chadwick Henderson; and her siblings, Josephine “Josie” Echols, Billy “Bud” Braz Gregg, and James “Jim” Wade Gregg.
Mary Ruth is survived by her daughters, Karla Jo Archer and husband Johnny, and Sheri Lee Geisler and husband Kevin; daughter-in-law Sheryl Henderson; son-in-law Michael Wayne Hamilton; and many beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and their extended families.
The family would also like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Rambling Oaks Courtyard for the exceptional care, kindness, and love they showed Mary Ruth. Their compassion was deeply felt, especially in her final days, as staff members came to say goodbye and some prayed over her.
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