The Silo and Hunt Hill Farm Trust in New Milford are mourning the loss of their founder Ruth Henderson.  The widow of Skitch Henderson died at her home Tuesday night at the age of 84.  She helped found The New York Pops and served as its President to the present day. 

The couple preserved 130 acres of Hunt Hill Farm as permanently protected open space in New Milford.  10 of the farm's buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places.  Executive Director Liba Furhman says Ruth was a passionate leader and a visionary.  Furhman says the non-profit Trust founded by the Hendersons is a Smithsonian Affiliate that continues their cultural and artistic legacy of music, visual, performing and culinary arts and farming.

Officials at Hunt Hill are calling Ruth a mentor and guiding light, for much of New Milford and Litchfield County.  Furhman says Hunt Hill Farm is forever grateful to Ruth for her ability to see the potential, for her foresight and planning.  She says Ruth had a celebrated commitment to helping people and gave freely of her time and her expertise to so many causes and organizations. 

Ruth is survived by her daughter Heidi, son Hans, six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and many friends. 

A memorial service is planned for the Spring.