Ruth Sylva "House" Hays

Ruth Sylva (House) Hays, 81, of Judsonia, passed peacefully at her home on March 4, 2026. Born on February 9, 1945 in Rapid City, South Dakota, she was the daughter of the late Clifford Earl and Cassie (Collins) House.

Ruth was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who found deep joy in gardening, fishing, camping, and the mountains of Montana. She cherished every moment spent with her family and was known for her infectious laugh and radiant smile. For many years she worked alongside her husband in property management, and earlier in life she worked as a beautician. The daughter of a minister, Ruth carried a strong faith throughout her life and loved singing gospel music with her brothers and sisters at family gatherings and church. In her later years she took special delight in watching her granddaughters and great-grandsons perform in ballet, tap, and jazz recitals each year.

She is survived by her husband of 32 years, Dennis; her five children, Jeff (Cece), Jerry (Diana), Alan (Katherine), Barbie (David), and Ted; two sisters, Doris and Becky (Rick); 15 grandchildren, Evan, Brandyn, Calvin, Mat, Megan, Jamie, Charles Alan, Kaitlyn, Kourtney, Angela, Mikey, Cassie, Alley, Alex, and Meadow; and 19 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and eight siblings: brothers Charles, Ralph, and David, and sisters Audrey, Judy, Muriel (Jean), Bernice, and Kathleen.

The warmth of Ruth’s joyous smile and loving hugs will remain forever in the hearts of all who knew her, and her passing has brought her children together with a closeness they will always treasure.