Ruth Hayes

April 16, 1921 - May 5, 2013

RUTH HAYES NORWAY- Ruth Hayes age 92 of Norway, died Sunday, May 5, 2013 at Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation in Kingsford, MI. She was born in Detroit on April 16, 1921 the daughter of the late Edward and Pearl (Miller) Forbes. She graduated from Harper Hospital School of Nursing. Ruth married Willard N. Hayes, MD on August 9, 1943 in Detroit. He preceded her in death on April 20, 1982. After Ruth and Willard got married they loaded up a car and trailer and proceeded to travel the country side looking for a place to live. After touring the country they chose Norway. Ruth attended Grace United Methodist Church in Norway for over 55 years; she taught Sunday School for over 50 years, she was in the choir and Wesylan Service Guild. Involved actively in 4H for many years as a 4H leader and taught cooking, sewing, and supported members of the Horse and Beef clubs. She spent her life serving others; her home was an open door for many children, and adults of Norway. Her station wagon usually filled taking people someplace. Ruth was active in Big Brothers/Big Sisters as a “Big” and on the Board of Directors. Along with her friend Nada Larson taught sewing in special needs school for over 20 years. She loved music, starting in High School earning many honors playing her viola in Detroit All City Orchestra, Wayne All County Orchestra and selected for the All American Orchestra. Ruth was a member of the Iron Mountain Music Club, played in the orchestra for several community theater productions and sang for many years in the Dickinson Co. Community Chorus. Throughout her life she received many honors in the community, and was chosen as Dickinson County Representative during the Michigan Sesquicentennial as unsung women honored by the Governors wife. Ruth is survived by her children Penny Lambert, Margaret “Peggy” Hayes, Dr. Paul (Donna) Hayes, Peter Hayes, Kathleen (Dennis) Bal and Foster Daughter Delia Chippewa; grandchildren Joseph (Mickey Parker) Lambert, David Hayes, Forrest (Kelly) Hayes, Benjamin (Christine) Hayes, Zachariah, and Magdalene Hayes, Sarah (Mike) Eversole, Rebecca (Sean) Bailey, Phillip, William and Matthew Bal; 26 great grandchildren; sister Virginia (Cliff) Haycock. Her family invites everyone to attend a committal service to be held on Thursday, May 9 at 11:30 a.m. at the Norway Township Cemetery. Family will greet friends on Thursday from 1-3 p.m. at the Grace United Methodist Church in Norway. Funeral Services will be held at 3 p.m. at Grace United Methodist Church with Pastor Irene White presiding.