Blanche (Ruth) Hardin Henderson Hay

Blanche (Ruth) Hardin Henderson Hay died August 13, 2012, knowing the love of her family and friends. She joins her husband, Harold John Hay, who died September 8, 2005. Ruth was born in her parents’ home in the Houston Heights on September 30, 1922, and was the first child born to Blanche Hardin Henderson and Arno Augustus Henderson. She graduated from Hamilton Middle School and Reagan High School (Class of ’39). Ruth was very proud of her next accomplishment. She received her Bachelors degree in accounting/business from Rice University (class of ’43).

In the Fall of 1945 Ruth met Harold standing at the street corner near the Rice Hotel in downtown Houston. The rest is love-story history. Ruth worked in accounting and real estate while raising their three children. It was with her extra income that Harold and Ruth were able to build their dream “fishing cabin” on Bolivar Peninsula in 1962. Until Hurricane Ike washed it away in 2008, the Hay-Loft was a favorite family and friends gathering place. Ruth loved to walk the beach looking for “treasures”.

Ruth was passionate about her interests. She was the little league score keeper, the Girl Scout leader of Troop 590 (many of the women were still in touch with her), The Cub Scout Leader, Sunday School teacher, Bible School teacher, and various political causes. She loved to travel with Harold in their small RV. She travelled Europe by herself at age 55. Ruth loved her dogs and cats and talked often in recent years about being with them in Heaven. She leaves her last dog, Toby, to be cared for by her family.

Most of all, Ruth loved her children and grandchildren, of whom she was so proud. They and family generations to come will speak of her brave and peaceful approach to her death. She had no fear, no unfinished business and a deep trust in God. Ruth comforted those that came to say good-bye.

Ruth is survived by her three children and their families; Judy Hay and husband, Elmer Bailey, and their son, Jason Bailey, and wife, JJ Olstad; Clayton John Hay and wife, Katherine Hay, and their children Nathon Hay and wife, Melody Hay, and Sarah Hay and her boyfriend, Ethan Travis; Jan Hay Hornung and husband, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Skyler Hornung; brother, Hank Henderson and his wife, Virginia Henderson; nieces and their families, Lisa White, Dana Buffum, Tanya Henderson, DeeAnna Stouten; and nephews John Hay and Scott Hay.

Beloved brother, Donovan Henderson, preceded Ruth in death.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Brighton Gardens and Houston Hospice for their professional and personal care at the end of her life, as well as the dedication for over 30 years of her doctor Ethan Natelson, M.D. Ruth knew her life would not have been as independent without the love and support of her neighbors and friends. The family wishes to thank, Doris Morgan, Francis Crawford, Juan & Teresa Trevino, Betty Waki, Edy Roche and Brenda Vital.

Visitation with be from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 18, 2012, at Height Funeral Home. The Celebration of Her Life will follow at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at SouthPark Cemetery in Pearland.