Ruth Ann Hayden

Cincinnati - Ruth Ann (Werst) Hayden, a devout Catholic, mother, grandmother and wife passed into the hands of our Lord Jesus and our Blessed Mother on April 16, 2020. She was a bright light. Her gentle manner, open heart, and positive attitude was guided by her deep faith and her belief in the power of prayer, which benefited family, friends and those in need around the world. Daughter of William H. Werst and Kathryn (Martin) Werst, she was born January 13, 1930. Ruth Ann was the eldest of 5 children raised in Louisville, Kentucky - the place she always considered home. She graduated from Presentation Academy in 1948 and worked for the Louisville Courier-Journal. She married her high school sweetheart, 'Bill' Joseph William Hayden, on January 27, 1951 and began their 46-year marriage. Together they raised 6 appreciative children: Marcia (Dan) Pardekooper, Joe (Michelle) Hayden, Mike (Velma) Hayden, John (Jane) Hayden, Lynne (Dr. Dave) Whang, and Lisa (Dan) Straub. The family spent many years in Ann Arbor, Michigan and moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1968. Ruth Ann and Bill mentored the kids through high school and college with unconditional love. They were constant cheerleaders at sporting and other events. Ruth Ann was active in her parish, honed her gardening skills, and refined her famous chocolate chip cookie and aptly named 'Angel Bar' recipes along with many other specialties. She followed her children and grandchildren to Cincinnati, OH in 1998 after the passing of her husband in 1997. Grandma's house became the center of activity for many years. Her loving way with kids created special bonds with each and every one of her 12 grandchildren: Laurie (Brian) Julie (Kevin) Danny, Joey, Katie (Pardekooper); Emily, Lauren, Jenny (Whang); Hannah, Julia (Straub); Maddy (Hayden); Lily (Hayden) and 4 great grandchildren; Nolan, Brett (Lavender) Grace, Gus (Kowalevsky). Ruth Ann exemplified the meaning of living one's faith through service to others. She loved to read, was active with other seniors and simplified her role in the kitchen by eating as a vegetarian. She aged gracefully and accepted changes with humble wisdom. Her humor and quick wit never faltered. She loved trivia games, playing cards, attending daily Mass and most all having grandkids spend the night. A special thanks is due for those that lovingly cared for Ruth Ann in her final year. She is survived by her siblings Mary Lynne (Bill d.) Fritsch, Bill (Judy) Werst, Kay (Dr. Russ) May, all her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and is predeceased by sibling Martha (Bernie d.) O'Bryan. Private service and live stream Mass information is available through family. A celebration of her life will be announced later. Donations in lieu of flowers in memory of Ruth Ann to St. Vincent de Paul, Cincinnati. www.tuftsschildmeyer.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Cincinnati Enquirer from Apr. 18 to Apr. 19, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Ruth Hayden

3 Entries

Shane Lee

April 23, 2020

To Lisa and the entire Hayden family -

On behalf of the Lee family, please accept our deepest sympathies on the passing of your Mom. You couldn't pass the Hayden house on Vance Ave. without being warmly greeted by Ruth Ann. She was such a sweet woman who took an interest in all the neighborhood kids like they were her own. Please know your Mom and your family will be in our continued prayers. God bless you all during this difficult time.

Michael Herald

April 20, 2020

Lisa, Lynne, all the Hayden children
Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your mom.
She was great, kind lady, lots of great memories of her, as kids growing up here in New Glenwood, St. Charles & BD.
Our prayers today are for her, and the Hayden family!
Our most sincere condolences,
The Herald Family

Katie Simmons

April 19, 2020

I always remember Ruth Ann and the notorius Hayden weddings! She was so full of life, so much joy -- she lit up a room. I'm sorry for your loss. She will be missed.

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results