Ruth Agnes Hayes, of Holly Pond, Alabama, passed away on Wednesday evening, June 3, 2026, at the age of 69. Ruth was born on May 5, 1957, in Potsdam, New York, to the late Richard Albert and Ruth Agnes Sullivan LaValley.

Mrs. Hayes is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Richard LaValley; and sisters, Sally Beebe, Mary Smith, and Jane McCuin.

Those left to cherish the many memories of Mrs. Ruth include her husband, Tim Hayes; son, Edward Hayes; brother, Pete LaValley; sisters, Bonnie Stiles, Patricia Houston, Dawn Lyons, Kim LaValley; grandchildren, Aaiyden Hayes, Evehan Hayes; great-granddaughter, Melanie Ramos; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Gifted with many artistic talents, Ruth was passionate about beautiful things. Her flower gardens were not just beds of flowers, but rather fields of beautiful blooms all tended with gentle hands and love. Paint brushes came to life in Ruth’s hand and canvases were left transformed with detailed and intricate artwork. Ruth’s talents also include stone masonry where her vision became reality, leaving those around her in awe of her skill and determination.

While her artistic talents and ability to grow beautiful things were impressive, Ruth was also a gifted baker. Her cakes, pies, cookies, cheesecakes, and many other delicious creations were gifted to local businesses and families across the county as Mrs. Hayes enjoyed sharing her culinary blessings with others. Showering others with blessings was part of who Ruth was, and gifting baked goods was one of the many ways she loved those around her.

A member of the Sacred Heart Church in Cullman, Alabama, Ruth was devoted to her faith and to serving others as a vessel of the love of Christ Jesus. She volunteered regularly at the St. Vincent de Paul Society where she helped minister with food to local families.

Ruth loved with abandon and her magnetic personality created friendships with all who knew her. Married to her beloved for forty-six years, Ruth’s love of family was also an important part of her life, and her dedication and passion for her family was evident in many ways. Mrs. Hayes was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend to many and her legacy of faith, generosity, and love for others will be remembered for generations to come.

Please pray for the Hayes family and all those who grieve Ruth’s passing. May God draw near to them, revealing His peace and strength. May their hearts be consoled by His presence and the promise of Resurrection.

Ruth’s life will be remembered in a service in Potsdam, New York, with Garner Funeral Services directing.

Holly Pond Funeral Home is honored to have served the Hayes family.

A poem left by Ruth for her family and friends……

I’m Free

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free

I’m following the path God laid for me.

I took his hand when I heard him call

I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day

To laugh, to love, to work or play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way

I found that peace at the close of day.

If my parting has left a void

Then fill it with remembered joy.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss

Ah yes, these things, I too, will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow

I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My life’s been full, I savored much.

Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief;

Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up your heart and share with me

God wanted me now, He set me free.