Mrs. Henry was born Feb. 4, 1938, in Fredonia, a daughter of the late Paul F. and Hazel Redfoot Leighty. She was a 1955 graduate of the former Fredonia High School, where she played the violin in the orchestra, and attended the Behrend Campus of Penn State University in Erie. Ruth Ellen retired in 2001 from George J. Howe Co., Grove City, where she was employed for 15 years. She previously worked at GTI Industries, Hadley, for five years; and Greenville Medical Center for 20 years. She was a member of New Virginia United Methodist Church, Hermitage. Mrs. Henry was a former active member of Grace United Methodist Church, Grove City where she was the pantry coordinator for Grace Community Food Pantry. For her dedication, Grove City Area United Way recognized her and her husband with the C. Douglas Clinger Community Service Award in 2002. She was also in the bell choir at the church. Earlier, Mrs. Henry was active at Big Bend United Methodist Church, where she directed the youth choir and taught the young adult Sunday school class. She was a member of Hemlock Grange, Pine Township; Mercer County and State Grange associations; and played the piano with the Grange Ritual Team. She was also on the executive committee of the Mercer County Grange Fair. Mrs. Henry was a member of the AARP, a senior persons organization; and its kitchen band. She served as a volunteer in many capacities, including the American Cancer Society; and Meals on Wheels at Christ Lutheran Church, Sharon. She was a past president of Reynolds Band Boosters and a member and past officer of the Reynolds Parent Teacher Association. She was a member of the Delaware Grove Birthday Club and several card clubs. She will be remembered as someone who loved doing things for others.
Her brother, George Leighty, preceded her in death.