A Gentle & Beautiful Soul
1941 – 2021
Ruth Kirkpatrick Henson passed from this life into God’s love & grace on Tuesday, August 10, 2021. A native of Haywood County, she was preceded in death by her loving parents, William & Alice Kirkpatrick and her parents-in-law & love, Carl & Hilda Henson. Ruth was the youngest of 18 children with 15 beloved siblings, many in-laws, nieces & nephews preceding her in death. She worked at American Enka Company until 1976 and, after, was a devoted homemaker. She compassionately cared for her mother, Alice, for 25 years. She was a faithful member of Center Pigeon Baptist Church where she served as a deacon’s wife, Sunday School teacher and treasurer for many years. She was a member of The “Ladies Nest” Sunday School Class, loved her friends there and supported many Christian Missions.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 52 years and love of her life, Jerry Henson of Canton, a daughter Christy Henson Sutton & husband Shane of Canton and a son Jeremy Henson & wife Sheri of Hillsborough, NC. Four adoring grandchildren: Joshua & Nicholas Sutton and Cole & Adrienne Henson. Her brother Roy French Kirkpatrick & sister-in-law, Judy of Waynesville and her sister Helen Kirkpatrick Icard of Newport News, VA. Her sisters & brothers-in-law: April Kirkpatrick of Waynesville, Phyllis Garland, Dallas & Carlene James, Jimmy & Hilda Ruth Robinson and Janie Conard all of Canton. Many nieces & nephews who adored their Aunt Ruth. Her dearest friend of over 50 years, Wilma Foster, along with many other lifelong friends whom she cherished.
Ruth was known for her easy smile, kind spirit and gentle nature. She had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to laugh. She enjoyed working crossword & jigsaw puzzles. It brought her joy to listen to her family make Old Time Appalachian Music and to hear her husband sing. She enjoyed reading mysteries, local newspapers and about Haywood County history. Exploring Western North Carolina with her beloved Jerry to find a road, church, old home or barn that they hadn’t found before was a favorite pastime. She cherished visits with her children and grandchildren working jigsaw puzzles with them. If you knew Ruth, you probably have a card or letter tucked away from her. One of her favorite things was to find the perfect card and write a personal note to her loved ones. We will cherish her little notes and cards forever.
We will miss her every moment until we meet again.
The family will host a Life Celebration at a later date.
Memorials may be made to:
Junior Appalachian Musicians, Inc. (Haywood County Program) in Memory of Mrs. Ruth Henson with donation to provide instruments to children by mail to:
PO Box 44
Independence, VA 24348
or online:
or Good Samaritan Baptist Mission in Memory of Mrs. Ruth Henson with donation to Opportunity of a Lifetime
PO Box 430
Villa Rica, Georgia 30180