Ruth Helen Hayes, 96, of Whitesboro, Texas was called home to a glorious reunion in Heaven on Thursday, January 19, 2023.
Helen was born on September 5, 1926 in Jacksonville, Texas to Melvin and Lena (Dover) Acker. She graduated from Jacksonville High School in 1944 and held both a bachelor’s degree in Business from the Texas State College for Women and a master’s degree in Education from North Texas State University. She married James William “Dub” Hayes on January 30, 1949 in Jacksonville and together they began a legacy of love that included raising their three children, Diane, Jim, and Bill. Helen worked for Sherman ISD as an educator and retired from Washington Elementary in 1992. She was a long-time member of First Baptist Church of Whitesboro and a member of the Faith, Hope and Charity Sunday School class, as well as a member of PEO Chapter A. Helen enjoyed reading and cooking; her kitchen was her happy place. She was a strong Christian woman who loved Jesus and loved sharing him with others. Her greatest pride were her children, her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
She is survived by her daughter, Diane Gibson and husband, Mark of Sherman; son, Bill Hayes and wife, Kelly of Whitesboro; grandchildren, Laura Wheeler of Denison; Robert Gibson and wife, Bre of Plano; Sarah Hayes of Omaha, Nebraska; and Charlie Hayes of San Antonio; great-grandchildren, Drew and Ben Wheeler; and sister, Marjorie Laney and husband, Bobby of Plano; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other loving family and friends.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents, husband, James W. “Dub” Hayes, son, Dr. Jim Hayes, and grandson-in-law, Ricky Wheeler.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in her name to either First Baptist Church building fund at 124 Center St. Whitesboro, Texas 76273 or to the Whitesboro Public Library at 308 W. Main St. Whitesboro, Texas 76273.
Funeral services honoring Helen will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, January 23, 2023 at First Baptist Church of Whitesboro, officiated by Rev. Mike Flanagan. A private family burial will be held prior to the service at Oakwood Cemetery. The family will have a time of visitation for family and friends after the service in the commons area at First Baptist Church.
What an honor to have known Helen. She was a true servant of our Lord. She loved people and will be truely missed by all. Rest well, sweet lady. Prayers for her sweet family. With heart felt sympathy, ????????
Bill and family. I’m so sorry to learn of the passing of your mother. She was a jewell as was your dad.
God bless you all.
Bill and family. I was so sorry to hear of the passing of you mother. She was a jewell as you know.
God bless you all.
Prayers going out & up for your family. ((Hugs!))
Such a sweetheart! She will be missed by all that knew her.. Praying for peace and comfort.
Diane and family,I am so very for the passing of this precious lady!!!I used to see her in Lovejoys when she used to walk uptown and always with a smile on her face.I will be praying for y’all.
Mrs. Hayes was one of my favorite customers at Kathleen’s Kitchen. She always came in with a smile and a chat about her day when she came to get her 2 loaves of sourdough bread. I will always have those memories of her. May you all find comfort and peace in you memories of her.
Dearest Diane, Bill and family,
The loss of your precious mother touched so many lives. I am so sad for you, as her adored children, grandchildren and greatgrands.What a lremarkable legacy she has left behind.
I feel so privileged to have known her, it just wasn’t long enough.
Praying God surrounds each of you with His love, peace, strength and comfort as you go through this difficult time.
Love and blessings,
Johnna Nowlin
Diane, Bill and families, we share your sorrow. Helen was a lovely Lady, dear to our hearts. May God’
;s peace be with you.
you. s peace be on you
,
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a dear lovely Lady. May Gods peace be with you all
.
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Bill and Diane, your mother was truly an angel on earth. I enjoyed working with her in the FBC nursery for many years, and she was so kind and supportive of me during a very difficult time in my life. I will always cherish her kindness and counsel, more importantly, the example she was to so many. Whitesboro has lost an incredible Christian leader. My prayers are with you and your families.
I was so sorry to hear of Helen’s passing. My memories of her are that she was such a gracious woman who took time to speak to everyone and make them feel special. Her beautiful smile will be remembered by all. May God’s comfort bring you peace as you celebrate her life and legacy.
I loved your mother and father. Growing up Helen was always a role model for me. Her gentleness and kindness will be greatly missed. I join each of you in honoring Helen.
So very sorry for your loss. Helen was such a sweet lady and dear friend. may the Good Lord comfort the family knowing that she is with our Lord and Dub. She will be truly missed. May God bless, Deloris Bertino and Dr. David and Dianne Bertino
So sorry to here that she has moved on may she RIP
What will I miss about Helen? Her beautiful smile, her gentle demeanor, her kind words, her sweet voice and mostly her yummy treats she would so generously share with all of us at City Hall at Christmas. Until we meet up yonder, thank you Ms. Helen!! Prayers for peace and comfort to all her family & friends.
Helen was a magnificent teacher! I will always appreciate the start she gave my children. I pray for comfort and cherished memories for the family.
Diane and family,. Just learned of your mom’s passing. The loss of a mother is personal. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.