Ruth was born the daughter of Carl and Eva Reynolds Henning on January 7, 1952, in Newton, Iowa. She was raised in Kellogg and received her education at Kellogg schools. She graduated from Newton High School with the class of 1970. Ruth was a bartender and waitress at local establishments in Grinnell and Kellogg. She recently worked at the Jasper County Sheriff's Office in Newton as a transport officer. She was a vibrant and caring person who enjoyed helping the residents while she was at St. Francis Manor. Ruth is survived by her son, Jerry Dale Henning of Madison, Wisconsin; her grandchildren, Samantha Jo and Joseph Dale Henning; her sisters, Judy Norton of Kellogg, and Marcia (Jim) White of Grinnell; her brother Virgil (Karen) Henning of Madison, Wisconsin; and several nieces and nephews. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Carl 'Sonny' and Jerry Henning; and her sister Edith Luckey. Memorials may be directed to the Ruth E. Henning Memorial Fund and sent in care of the Smith Funeral Home, PO BOX 368, Grinnell, IA 50112.