Ruth Ann Henricks

Ruth Ann Henricks, 81, of Chula Vista, California, was called home to be with the Lord on December 31, 2025. She passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home, surrounded by the love of her family. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother—and a faithful servant of God—Ruth will be remembered for her servant’s heart, boundless compassion, and joyful spirit that touched every life she encountered.

Born on April 13, 1944, in Aurora, Illinois, to Erwin and Helen Wenzel, Ruth was raised with the values of kindness and hard work that guided her throughout her life. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Robert Wenzel. Ruth shared 61 wonderful years of marriage with her beloved husband, Robert (Bob) Henricks, and together they raised two children, Daniel and Janet. She is survived by her husband, her children, and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Ruth lived a life firmly rooted in faith and was guided by Christ’s call to love and serve others. Her devotion to God was evident in her selfless compassion and tireless care for those around her. She believed deeply in living out her faith through action, reflecting the words of Matthew 25:35: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat.”

Ruth and Bob were longtime owners of The Huddle Restaurant in San Diego, California. More than a business, The Huddle was a place of fellowship and community—a welcoming table where friendships were formed and kindness was always served with a smile. It also served as the foundation for the launch of Special Delivery San Diego.

Ruth was the Founder and Executive Director of Special Delivery San Diego, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to feeding individuals in San Diego living with HIV/AIDS and chronic illnesses. For 34 years, Special Delivery San Diego served countless meals, provided record-breaking numbers of households with groceries from the food pantry, and educated and supported the local diabetic with the first Diabetic Food Pantry in San Diego. Ruth’s mission was simple and unwavering: to never turn away anyone in need of food. She accomplished that and more, faithfully serving those experiencing hardship and hunger while offering dignity and compassion to every person she encountered.

Service was never about recognition for Ruth—she simply wanted to serve her corner of the world. A pioneer in the fight against HIV/AIDS during the height of the epidemic, her impact was profound. Though accolades were never her motivation, they followed in abundance. Among many honors, Ruth was featured as a CNN Hero in 2009. She received the President’s Volunteer Action Award from President Bill Clinton in 1993 and the Lambda Archives of San Diego Heroines, Pioneers & Trailblazers Gala award recipient in 2016. She also served as San Diego LGBT Pride Community Grand Marshal in 2008 and received the Service Award from the San Diego HIV Consumer Council in 1999, along with many additional civic and community honors.

Above all, Ruth cherished her family. She shared a life grounded in love, faith, and service with her beloved husband, Bob. She was a source of wisdom, encouragement, and constant love to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who were the pride and joy of her heart. Her legacy of love and service will continue to live on through each of them.

In her final days, Ruth was surrounded by peace and love, resting in the assurance of God’s promises. While her presence will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort in knowing she now rejoices in heaven, having heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

The family invites donations or acts of service in Ruth’s honor to Special Delivery San Diego, continuing the mission that was so close to her heart. For those who wish to send flowers, they may be sent to The Huddle Diner or Special Delivery San Diego, where the family can receive them.

Ruth Henricks will be lovingly remembered and celebrated for her unwavering faith, servant’s heart, and the countless lives she touched. “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” — Maya Angelou

Ruth, you were truly an angel among us.

A visitation will be held on January 26, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at The Chapel of the Roses, located at 3838 Bonita Road, Bonita, CA 91902.

A funeral service will take place on January 27, 2026, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at The Chapel of the Roses, followed by the committal service from 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Glen Abbey Memorial Park and Mortuary.

For those unable to join us this month, a Celebration of Life for Ruth will be held on Saturday, April 11, at 3:00 p.m. at the United Church of Christ, 4070 Jackdaw Street, San Diego, CA 92103.