Ruth Ellen Henderson

Ruth Ellen Henderson, 71, Palmer, died Sunday, July 5, 2026 at the Linn Community Nursing Home in Linn.

Visitation will be Wednesday, July 8, from 5 to 7 p.m., with the family present, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Palmer, KS.

A funeral service will 10:30 a.m., Thursday, July 9, at St. John’s Lutheran Church.  Rev. John Werner will officiate.  Sheila Stuenkel is organist and the congregations will sing "What A Friend We Have in Jesus," "Jesus Loves Me" and When Peace, Like a River."

Pallbearers are Kyle Peters, Shane Ohlde, Kurtis Voelker, Brett Ohlde, Clayton, Ohlde and Chad Hiltgen.

Burial will be in St. John's Lutheran Cemetery.

Ruth was born February 24, 1955 to Louis and Clara (Lange) Bierbaum in Clay Center. In 1973, she graduated from Linn High School. On May 25, 1974, Ruth married Gene Henderson at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Palmer and were blessed with two children, Kelly and Tyler.

Ruth helped Gene farm and raise hogs in a farrow to finish operation. She worked as a para for Linn and Clay Center school districts and after retirement worked as a reintegration specialist for foster care.

Ruth worked with the Walther League youth group, was a member of the LWML and taught Sunday school. She loved playing golf with her friends and enjoyed teaching her grandchildren how to play. Ruth enjoyed boating and riding the pontoon.

Preceding her in death were her parents; brother, Richard Bierbaum; niece, Alicia Bierbaum; and nephew, Daryl Bierbaum.

Survivors include husband, Gene; daughter, Kelly Rhoades, Topeka; son, Tyler Henderson, Waco, TX; grandchildren, Kadence, Quinn, Kaley and Rory; brother, Ronald (Anita) Bierbaum, South Barrington, IL; and nephew, Duane Bierbaum, St. Libory, NE.

A memorial fund is established to St. John's Lutheran Church, or Meadowlark Hospice. Contributions may be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home, PO Box 157, Washington, KS 66968.