Ruth Joann Hays passed away early in the morning of September 12, 2018 at her home in Lynnwood, Washington. She was 82 years old. Ruth was born in Williston North Dakota, the first child of Erling and Marie Alleckson. At the age of three, the family moved to Washington state eventually settling in the Alderwood Manor area. Ruth graduated from Edmonds High School in 1953. After graduation, Ruth was introduced by friends to a young Navy sailor named Jerry Hays. This first date apparently went well, as it resulted in a 64 year marriage, three children, five grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren! Throughout her life, Ruth enjoyed many (many, many) varied hobbies always diving in with great enthusiasm and excitement. Some of these hobbies even resulted in part-time income, (or great expense if you ask Jerry). Ruth volunteered her enthusiasm, creativity, and leadership to many worthy causes and groups including Camp Fire Girls. As a long-time member of Maple Park Lutheran Brethren Church, Ruth participated in several ministries including, Sunday School teacher and Superintendent, Vacation Bible School leader, “Harvest of Hands” Craft Fair coordinator, Kid’s Club teacher, Choir member, Couples Club team member, Youth Group advisor, and more. Ruth and Jerry, along with their good friends the Solies, loved camping and exploring the backwoods of Washington, especially the Okanagan area of Eastern Washington. On one of these trips they discovered properties for sale along the Chewuck River near Winthrop. The two families purchased neighboring lots in 1974, and spent many happy years with children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends thoroughly loving their rustic home-away-from-home. In retirement, Ruth and Jerry RV’d around the country until once again finding a particular spot they loved. They sold the RV and purchased a lot and park model home in Quail Valley RV park in Desert Hot Springs, California where they lived most winters. Ruth quickly became involved in the community life of Quail Valley, helping with social activities, meals and other events. Ruth loved her family and always spoiled her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Almost above anything, she loved to cook for her family. Most of her meals had enough food to feed the entire family…...for days and days! She specialized in lefse making parties during the holidays. She simply was a great cook (though she seldom agreed with the otherwise unanimous praise). Ruth loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was unafraid to share her faith with family and friends. Her faith in Christ sustained her in the last years through her long and difficult battle with cancer. Ruth is survived by her loving husband Jerry; three children; Mike (Ingrid), Terry (Carol), Vicki (Mike), five grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Ruth is also survived by brother Jack Alleckson and sister Roberta (Chick) Stiers. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, September 22 at 1:00 pm. The service will be at Maple Park Lutheran Brethren Church, 17620 - 60th Avenue West, Lynnwood, WA. 98037 with a reception following at the church. Memorial Gifts may be given to Maple Park Lutheran Church.