Ruth L. Hayes

Ruth L. Hayes, 96, of Lafayette, passed away on Monday, May 19, 2025, at The Springs in Lafayette. She was born September 11, 1928, in Lafayette, IN, to the late Lambert and Lillian (Korty) Jansen.
Ruth was the last living member from St Francis HS class of 1946. She wanted to attend her senior prom but needed a date. It just so happened that dashingly handsome Joe Hayes had returned from his WWII Pacific Theatre Army duty and was available. She made the call and politely asked him to accompany her. He accepted but suggested they go on a few dates first. Their courtship began and they have danced ever since that prom. It didn't take long for the romance to turn into a wedding on July 24,1948.
She was a member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church and American Legion Aux.
Ruth enjoyed her Catholic faith, travel, playing eurche, puzzles, dancing, being with family and friends. But if there was an infant close by, she wanted to hold it.
Surviving Ruth are children Eileen (Jerald) Ratner of Colorado Springs, CO, Michael (Theresa) Hayes, West Lafayette, Alisa (Mike Snellenbarger) Pate, Lafayette, Daniel (Christine Brady) Hayes, Lafayette, 14 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.
Also surviving is her brother, Francis Jansen of Lafayette and daughter-in-law Suzanne Hayes (James Hayes-deceased) of NM.
Ruth was preceded in death by children James Hayes, Jane Gilbert and grandson, Scott Rhatigan.
Visitation is Saturday, May 24, 2025, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church. Visiting with family at 10 AM, Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM. Ruth will be carried home by her grandsons and internment at St. Boniface Cemetery, Lafayette, IN
Our family loved the humorous stories as described by Garrison Keillor in Prairie Home Companion. "Well, it's been a quiet week in Lake Wobegon, my hometown, out there on the edge of the prairie." But to us, "It was good life for the Hayes family, in Lafayette, our hometown, on the edge of the north end". There were lots of memories made by Ruth and Joe, but now we are at the end of this chapter. Mr. Keillor would close his stories by saying "that's the news from Lake Wobegon", but for us "that is the Hayes news from Lafayette, where all the Hayes women are strong, all the Hayes men are good-looking, and all of their children are above average".
A special thank you to all staff at The Springs of Lafayette who kindly cared for Mom during her lengthy stay and to the Elora Hospice staff's care and guidance through life's end.