08/28/2024
Please join us in celebrating Ruth Henrichs on her 100th birthday! 🥳🎂
Ruth was born in Indiana on August 28th, 1924 to parents William, a pastor, and Lola, a seamstress. She was the 2nd of their 5 children, and grew up near Pontiac, Michigan by Crescent Lake. If she wasn't attending school at the two story, four room schoolhouse 1.4 miles from home, Ruth spent her time outdoors! Ice-skating, swimming in the lake, or spending time at the local park at the lakes edge.
During high school, Ruth was an award winning member of her schools swim and dive team. After high school and during WWII, Ruth dedicated one year at a defense plant while her family moved to Washington state. Personal things had to be put on hold. After that year, she traveled by bus to Washington to join her family. There, Ruth worked as a receptionist at a Doctor's office, and later in the candy department at Sears, Roebuck. She continued her education in Portland, Oregon.
It was there during her second year of college that she met Glen Henrichs. Glen had just served in WWII until it's end. The couple were happily married one year later on June 8th, 1945. Ruth worked as secretary of the college president until she and Glen started their family. Glen finished his schooling and then took a calling at his first church in Sunnyside, Washington. Glen and Ruth moved to Montesano, Washington. All together Glen and Ruth had 5 wonderful children; Cynthia, Paul, Douglas, Sylvia and Judy! Years later, the family moved to Whittier, California.
Ruth became a substitute teacher after Azusa Pacific transferred her credits to their school and gave her a validated BA and teaching credential. She then became a full-fledged teacher. Ruth taught 2nd grade for about 10 years in California, before the family moved back to Washington where she taught another 3 years.
Ruth's husband became an interim pastor at a few church locations throughout the USA. Because of this, the couple had the opportunity to travel around the country and Canada in their 5th wheel. These trips allowed Ruth and Glen to travel to all but three states! Eventually they settled in Stockton, and were told about a wonderful senior living community in Ripon, California. They applied to live in the Garden Apartments and enjoyed 8 wonderful years together there. Ruth continues to be a beloved resident of Bethany!
Over the years, Ruth has had many blessings, including 11 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren! Ruth has learned that "you can't out give the Lord. We all have good and bad things in our lives. When the bad gets us down, think of all the good; even the little things and the depression goes away"..."I've had a really good life. Not all of it has been easy, but, depending on the Lord and stopping to make yourself think of his blessings- a place to live, a bed to sleep on, a wonderful husband and children"...that makes a difference.
Wishing you a Happy 100th Birthday, Ruth!! 🎉🎈
