Ruth Black Henchey passed away peacefully at her home in Rye Brook, with her family at her side, on April 5, 2017. She was 83.
Born June 10, 1933 in Bronxville, Ruthie, as she was known, was the daughter of Ruth (Bailey) and Witherbee Black Jr. She grew up in a farmhouse on the Port Chester homestead of her great-grandmother, Sophie Yuengling Clausen. She attended the Mary Burnham School (now Stoneleigh-Burnham).
For over 20 years she was a popular sales manager at the Whitney Shop in Greenwich. She was an active member of the TWIG organization for over 40 years, and a longtime member of The Woman’s Club of Rye.
She was a fourth-generation member of Apawamis and Manursing Island clubs. At Apawamis, she was a devoted supporter and fan of the squash community, a stylish presence at tournaments and events, and an inspiration to young players working to improve. In addition to being an accomplished tennis and platform tennis player, she was a beloved fixture on the Manursing beach and courtside.
Children of the neighborhood in Rye where Ruthie raised her own family have described her as their “second mother.”
Her first marriage to Dick Squires ended in divorce. In 1990, she married Curtice Bickford (“Bick”) Henchey, with whom she enjoyed amazing travels around the world and summer trailer camping in Maine, an activity she grew to love. The couple also spent many happy days together sailing Long Island Sound on their boat, <Sapphire>. Mr. Henchey died in 2007.
Mrs. Henchey is survived by her twin sister, Derith of Medford Lakes, N.J.; her children: Gary Squires (Susan) of Stamford, Cathleen Squires (John Recca) of Jamestown, R.I., and Pamela Reiss (David) of Fairfield; her stepchildren Hope Scully (Kevin) and Winfred Henchey; and ten grandchildren. Her sister Barbara Funk of Barre, Vt. predeceased her.
Family members said, “Ruthie was cherished by all for her beautiful smile, grace, and pink fishy kisses.”
A Memorial service will be celebrated May 5 at 11 a.m. at Christ’s Church in Rye. A reception will follow at Manursing Island Club.
Donations in Ruth Henchey’s memory may be made to Christ’s Church, 2 Rectory Street, Rye, NY 10580.
