Obituary - Ruth Isbell Henley

Ruth Isbell Henley, 97, died peacefully at home on February 18, 2021 and went to be with her Lord Jesus and dear family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Tom Henley, former Chief Deputy Sheriff of Henrico County. Her in-laws owned the old grocery store at the corner of Three Chopt Road and Broad Street in Short Pump. She was one of the last residents of “Downtown Short Pump” and appeared on the cover of this paper the day they tore down her house for the development of West Broad Village. Ruth was born on Hanover Ave, Richmond; she graduated from Glen Allen High School in 1942 and later the Comptometer School. She worked for C&P Telephone and then VEPCO. She married Tom in 1944 and eventually they had two daughters, Judy and Diane. She worked at The Home Shop, Esso Corporate, A&P Corporate, Ralph H. Dudley Real Estate and George Parrott Insurance. On retirement she joined the Crump Manor Auxiliary and was a devoted member for 35 years and ran the gift shop until just recently. She was a charter member of the Short Pump Civic Association and Home Demonstration Club. She was also a devoted 85-year member of Shady Grove Methodist Church (Short Pump) where she served in numerous capacities. She was known for her rolls and congealed salads. No one ever left her home without an offer of something to eat. She enjoyed the theater and travel (Hawaii and Europe) and was an ardent card sender. She read the paper cover to cover every day. She loved watching her great and great-great grandchildren grow and delighted in their antics. She grieved the loss of many old Short Pump friends whom she had outlived. She was a passionate friend and a devoted mother and grandmother. She will be missed dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Susie Isbell; her brother, Joe Jr (Kathleen); and sister Ann Isbell Mills (Tom). She is survived by her daughters, Judy Beck (Gary) and Diane Reid (Danny); four grandchildren, Missy Beck Lemke (Hans), David Reid (Kim), Daniel Beck (Beth) and Di’Nelle Beach (Blake); eight great-grandchildren, Hunter, Austin, Siena, Henley, Tommy, Ally, Ellie and Emmy; and two great-great grandsons, Cooper and Carter. Graveside services will be held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 24 in Westhampton Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shady Grove United Methodist Church, 4825 Pouncey Tract Road Glen Allen, VA 23059. The West Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home is handling arrangements.