HENDERSON, Vera Ellen (Bruton) - b. July 20, 1909 – d. December 1, 2007

[Marcia Moore]

     Vera Ellen Henderson, 98, died Saturday, Dec. 1, 2007 at her home in Roswell, New Mexico.  She was born July 20, 1909 in Elk County to Addington G. & Mary Ellen (Kramer) Bruton.
     Vera graduated from Severy High School in 1927, after which she attended Pittsburg State College.  She was united in marriage to Loren Edward Henderson on Jan. 17, 1931 in Fredonia.  To this union, two children were born.  The couple moved in 1941 to Roswell, New Mexico.
     Vera was a member of the First United Methodist Church, where she served as communion preparer for 25 years; the Social Order of the Beauceants Chapter 116; the Morning Book Club; the Eastern New Mexico Medical Center Hospital Auxiliary; and was active in the Assistance League of Chaves County.  In 2002 she received the Ada Edwards Laughlin Award by the Assistance League of Chaves County.
     Survivors include one son, Steve L. Henderson of Roswell, New Mexico; one daughter, Ellen Kay Rhodes of Littleton, CO; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Loren E., in 1974; two brothers, Addington K. Bruton and Charles K. Bruton; and three sisters, Mae Rhoades and Edna Snowden (formerly of Howard) and Juanita Yandell (formerly of Piedmont).
     Services were held Wednesday, Dec. 5 at the First United Methodist Church, with Rev. Archie Echols officiating.  Memorials have been established with the Cowboy Bell Scholarship Fund, the First United Methodist Church at Roswell, NM, or a favorite charity.  Arrangements were under the direction of LaGrone Funeral Chapel.