Ruby B. Henderson

Ruby B. Henderson, age 77, of Harrison, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 24 (2009) at the Hospice of the Hills Hospice House in Harrison. Born on March 25, 1932, in Norphlet, she was the fifth of seven children born to James and Verda Bourn.

Ruby was a standout basketball player at Calhoun High School before moving to Waldo, where she graduated in 1950. After high school, she attended Draughon Business College in Shreveport, La. In 1953, she met and married Charles Austin Henderson, and in 1961, the two moved to Harrison, where they worked and raised their four children. 

Enjoying people, Ruby always sought to work in occupations dealing with the public. She owned and operated the Tasty Treat Restaurant in the late 70s and early 80s, followed by years in customer service at various local businesses, and at the time of her death, Ruby was employed part-time as a clerical assistant at the Northwest Regional Housing Authority.

Ruby was a devout Christian and a long- time member of Eagle Heights Baptist Church. She enjoyed spending time with her friends and neighbors, and one of her favorite pastimes was cheering on her favorite team, the St. Louis Cardinals. Ruby enjoyed life, and her greatest passion was without a doubt her children, grandchildren and great-granddaughter. 

Ruby was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Charles Austin Henderson; a son, Clay Allen Henderson; a son-in-law, Bill Martin; a sister, Jane Morris; and a brother, Arthur Bourn. 

She is survived by a son, Marion Paul Henderson of Harrison; two daughters, Sandra Martin of Bergman and Brenda and husband, Rick Still of Everton; grandchildren, Kelli Still, Emily and husband Josh Magness, Addie Martin, Brice Martin, Brittany Henderson, Taylor Henderson, Molly Henderson, Shannon Henderson and Cade Henderson; great-granddaughter, Tesli Johnson and a great grandson, due in March 2010. Also, surviving are two brothers, Alvin Bourn of Brownfield, Texas and Bill Bourn of Haughton, La.; two sisters, Mary Downs of Magnolia and Frances Murphy of McNeil; and several nieces and nephews.

A service remembering Ruby was held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 28, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home with Dr. Tommy Turner and the Rev. Glenn Crenshaw officiating. Pallbearers were Brice Martin, Rick Still, Josh Magness, Granvel Murray, Stephan Goyette, Bob Still and Darrell Still.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Hills Hospice House, P.O. Box 2020, Harrison, Ark. 72602.