oh w C t h gardeni Ruby Belle Henneke passed away on March 31, 2026 in Columbus, Texas at the age of 96.

Ruby Belle was born on May 30, 1929 to Hugo Kveton and Clara (Eckardt) Kveton in Bernardo, Texas. Ruby Belle made the journey to Willow School on horseback, often riding with her cousin, Rubin Kveton. She moved away from home to attend Columbus High School. After graduating in 1948, she worked as a switchboard operator for the telephone company. On June 14, 1949 she married Herman Lee Henneke at St. Roch Catholic Church. They welcomed three children into their family. In addition to her work as a homemaker, Ruby Belle helped run the family auto repair business. She and her husband also kept a cattle herd. Her favorite activities were dancing and playing dominoes. She also enjoyed gardening and working in her yard.

Ruby Belle is survived by her daughters, Mary Lou Henneke and Katherine Ann Sutherland, son James Lee Henneke and wife Victoria. She leaves behind seven grandchildren, Justin Sutherland, Michael Sutherland (Diana), John Sutherland (Chandler), Theresa Henneke, Laura Henneke, Sarah Henneke, and Emma Henneke. She was blessed with six great-grandchildren, Weston Sutherland, Abigail Sutherland, Jensen Sutherland, Audrey Sutherland, Henry Sutherland, and Summer Sutherland.

She was preceded in death by her husband Herman Lee Henneke, parents Hugo and Clara Kveton, and son-in-law Joseph Sutherland.

Visitation was held on Monday, April 6, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus, Texas. A prayer service and rosary followed at 7:00 p.m.

Visitation on Tuesday was held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. The funeral service was held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Henneke Funeral Home with Deacon John Glueck officiating. Burial took place at St. Roch Catholic Cemetery in Mentz, Texas. Pallbearers were Justin Sutherland, Michael Sutherland, John Sutherland, Theresa Henneke, Kenton Lilie, and Laura Henneke.

Memorials may be given to the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome.com.