903-564-3800

In loving memory

Meador Funeral Home –

Funeral Service –

Monday. January 23, 2023 – 11:00 AM

First Baptist Church

124 Center St.

Whitesboro, TX 76273

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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.