Ruth Hendrix

She stepped from this world into the loving arms of Jesus on November 10, 2021. She was 93 years old. Her life was a beautiful testament of the loving faithfulness of her heavenly Father. She was born April 23, 1928 to Myrtle Dowdy and Jesse R. Jones in Motley, Va. She was the youngest, with her twin brother, of seven children.

On June 11, 1948 she married her loving husband, Hugh Ralph Hendrix, in Lynchburg, Va. They had been married 42 years when Ralph passed. Together they had four children; Paul Madison Hendrix, Faith Ann Hendrix, Hugh Earl Hendrix, and Sara Ellen Hendrix-Leonard.

Earlene’s great joy in life was her seven grandchildren: Jake, Charlie, and Arielle, the children of Hugh and Jackie Hendrix and Lee, Jonathan, Sarah and Michael, the children of Ellen and Jeff Leonard. Her great-granddaughter, Callie Nicole Leonard, Lee and Brittany’s little girl, always made her smile.

She is lovingly remembered by her grandchildren for the surprise “adventures” she would take them on, her homemade milkshakes and her warm hugs. Family and friends often spoke of the peace they felt in her presence and home. At an early age, she discovered the peace of Jesus and spent her life showing her family and others His love. Daily and faithfully, she prayed for each one of her loved ones that they would know the Lord as she knew him. Her prayers are not forgotten; they were heard by God. Her heart was one of a servant. She found joy in helping others and never sought praise or accolades.

Naturally shy and reserved, she found strength and confidence to face the many trials of her life with the help of her Heavenly Father. Her love of children and being a natural teacher inspired her to begin several pre-schools and daycares. Her care and love extended to many more children than her own and her influence still remains in this world.

She will always be remembered for her listening ear and her wise words of counsel. As a gifted encourager, she often wrote “letters” to strengthen and comfort family, friends, and strangers. Perpetually positive, she always chose to “look on the bright side” stating “this too shall pass". Just as generously, she saw the good in others, spinning any negatives into positives … “you’re not stubborn, you’re just determined!”

Each of us have a pocket full of memories, and a heart full of love as we remember and celebrate Earlene, our Mother, Grandmother, and friend. She will be forever missed.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.smithandwilliamskempsville.com for the Hendrix family.