Ruth Ann Hayden, 75 of Centralia, died Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021 at the University of Missouri Hospital in Columbia.
Funeral services were held Friday, Nov. 5, at Fenton-Kendrick Funeral Home in Centralia, with burial following, in the Glendale Memorial Gardens.
Ruth was born on Aug. 2, 1946 in Pilot Grove, the daughter of John and Naomi (Gramlich) Waller.
On Dec. 16, 1967 in Boonville, Ruth married Marion “Bear” Hayden. He preceded her in death on Aug. 26, 1991.
Ruth is survived by her son, John Hayden and wife Rachael of Centralia; her grandchildren, William Harvey Hayden, Luke Ryan Hayden, and Kinley Ann Hayden all of Centralia; sisters, Mary Gerling and husband Marvin of Boonville, Carol Brown of Boonville and Dorothy Simpson of St. Louis.
Along with her husband, Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Ellen Renee Hayden; three siblings, Charles Waller, John Waller, and Helen Westmorland.
Ruth loved the Special Olympics and was named the coach of the year for Missouri in 2000.
She also enjoyed dancing, gardening, and working on her landscaping. Ruth’s greatest joy in life were her grandchildren, she loves to spend time with them and follow them in all their activities.
Memorial donations are suggested to the Children’s Therapy and Early Education School in Mexico, or the Special Olympics, and may be sent in care of Fenton-Kendrick Funeral Home, 104 S. Collier St. Centralia, MO 65240.
Online condolences may be left at www.fentonkendrickfh.com.
