Ruth Sylva "House" Hays

Ruth Sylva (House) Hays, 81, of Judsonia, passed from this life on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 peacefully at her home. She was born February 9, 1945 in Rapid City, South Dakota, a daughter of the late Clifford Earl and Cassie (Collins) House. Ruth was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She loved gardening, fishing, camping, Montana mountains, and spending time with her family. She was known for her infectious laugh and beautiful smile. She and her husband, worked side by side for many years in property management, and she was also a beautician. Growing up the daughter of a minister, she had great faith, and loved to sing gospel music with her 10 brothers and sisters in gatherings and at church. She had a love for dance (ballet, tap and jazz) through her granddaughters and great-grandsons' stage performances every year. Little did she realize that the end of her journey here on earth would bring her children back together with a closeness like never before. The warmth and love of her joyous smile and hugs will never be forgotten.

She is survived by her husband, Dennis, of 32 years, 5 children, Jeff (Cece), Jerry (Diana), Alan (Katherine), Barbie (David), and Ted; 2 sisters, Doris and Becky (Rick); Grandchildren; Evan, Brandyn, Calvin, Mat, Megan, Jamie, Charles Alan, Kaitlyn, Kourtney, Angela, Mikey, Cassie, Alley, Alex and Meadow, as well as 19 Great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, 3 brothers, Charles, Ralph and David, 5 sisters, Audrey, Judy, Muriel (Jean), Bernice and Kathleen.

There will be a "Going Home" visitation held on Sunday, March 15, 2026 from 2-4 p.m. at Powell Funeral Home with cremation to follow.

The visitation will be livestreamed beginning at 2:00 p.m. at www.powellfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements are entrusted to Powell Funeral Home, Bald Knob – Judsonia.