Esther Gerelene “Gerri” Henderson was born to Barnes and Mildred Rife in the Appalachian Mountains of Stacy, Virginia, on February 14, 1940, and she died on February 22, 2026 at the Christian Village at Mason, Ohio. Beloved by many, she was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Ronald Henderson, and her brother, Jerome Rife. Holding on to her memory are her children, Kent Henderson and his wife, Teresa; Kerri Powell and her husband, Tom; a sister-in-law, Toni Rife; a sister, Joanna Williams; and a brother, Jon Rife and his wife Rita. A great number of grandchildren with their spouses, great grandchildren, Henderson in-laws, nieces, nephews, and many, many friends remain to cherish her memory.

Gerri attended the Cincinnati Bible Seminary where she earned an Associate of Secretarial and Business Science. She also received her MRS degree at the Bible college with the help of Ron Henderson. At the University of Cincinnati she studied Education, eventually earning a Master of Education in 1977. She enjoyed teaching at the Cincinnati Public Schools for 25 years and was honored to receive the Urban Appalachian Council Exemplary Teacher Award in 1997. Instructing for the Institute for Learning in Retirement for UC also was a highlight of her teaching career.

Beyond teaching, she served in various capacities at Western Hills Church of Christ, she sat on the Board of Directors for Team Expansion, she worked with the Urban Appalachian Council of Cincinnati, and she volunteered at the Cincinnati Bible College. There was a special place in her heart for people from abroad, and she helped many of these friends get adapted to life in America. Among her favorite things to do in life were hosting students at her home in Price Hill, throwing a party, throwing another party, eating with family and friends, and spending time with her grandchildren. If she had any hobbies at all, they were called the hobby of fellowship and the hobby of grandchildren.

Visitation will take place from 10-11 AM Thursday March 5, 2026 at The Christian Village at Mason, 411 Western Row Rd., 45040; followed immediately by a funeral service at 11 AM.

The service will be live streamed - Click HERE @ 11:00 AM to watch service. 

If desired memorial donations may be made to debra of America - Click Here to Donate or Western Hills Church of Christ - Click Here to Donate.

Gerri will be remembered by family and friends for her love, generosity, and perennially positive spirit. She will be regarded as a woman committed to her Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. She fought the good fight, she finished the race, and she kept the faith.

Dalbert, Woodruff & Isenogle Funeral Home is proudly serving the family.