Melba Ruth (Ferguson) Hayes, 92 of Thayer, Missouri passed away in West Plains, Missouri on January 9, 2023. Ruth was born December 11, 1930, in Granite City, Illinois to Sherman and Maggie (Slawson) Ferguson.
Ruth married the love of her life Donald Hayes in Granite City, Illinois on December 25, 1959.
Ruth was of the Pentecostal faith and attended Midway Pentecostal Church in Thayer, Missouri. She played the organ at church and loved going to the lady’s retreats. She volunterred at Shady Oaks, loved to put puzzles together and enjoyed crafts.
Ruth is survived by one daughter Doris Faye (Hayes) Roppo, husband Michael of Colorado; five grandchildren Everett Roppo of Colorado, Carrie Ranisate of Arizona, Robbin (Rob) Roppo of Colorado, Benjamin Roppo of Colorado and Joshua Roppo of Virginia; and three great-grandchildren; one great-great granddaughter; two very special nieces, plus many more nephews, nieces and friends.
Ruth is preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two sisters Dorothy Aldridge and Phoebe Knecht; four brothers Lowell, Raymond, Ralph and Robert Ferguson.
Funeral services will be Thursday, January 12, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri. Visitation will be held Thursday January 12, from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service at 2:00 p.m.
Interment will be Thursday, January 12 at Shiloh Grand Gulf Cemetery in Koshkonong, Missouri.
January 10, 2023 @ 9:33 pm
Ruth was my friend and always had the most happy countenance and beautiful smile. Butch always said how beautiful she is, and I would agree. You will be missed. I was always amazed at how forward thinking she was, staying current with her iPhone and emails and computers! Highly intelligent woman with the most lovely spirit. Sharp, bright, kind always.
January 11, 2023 @ 3:15 am
I am so sorry for your loss of such a wonderful person. She was a really good friend. Although we will miss her, I know that she will be happy being with the Lord.
January 11, 2023 @ 10:33 am
She was a sweet lady. a perfect example of a true Christian. She loved the Lord
January 11, 2023 @ 12:29 pm
Sending my heartfelt sympathy to Ruth’s daughter and all family members and Friends who mourn the loss of such a wonderful lady. May the Lord’s loving promises give you strength as you walk through this time of sadness. Ruth was an inspiration through correspondence with me for a few years and I could see through to her wonderful disposition, intellect, loyalty and beautiful personality features that she beheld. I pray you take comfort in the promises the Lord gives us for they that mourn. I am so sorry for your most deep and precious loss.
January 11, 2023 @ 10:24 pm
Sis. Ruth will be missed here but she’s with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who she served with Love and being a vessel to be used by Him!
We’ll see you again Sis. Ruth some sweet day!
Condolences to her family and friends and church family.
January 15, 2023 @ 4:53 am
Ninety-two years was not long enough for this beautiful soul to grace our lives. Aunt Ruth was the kind of human being you could not find fault with and that everyone loved being around. She loved living but she also loved Christ and it is in this knowledge that we now all find our solace. As much as she loved every single person in her life and hated to go, she knew where she was going and embraced the opportunity to be in the Lord’s presence with confidence and bravery. She was truly the definition of God–light and love. And she loved unconditionally. We commented that, as she lay in the casket, we had never seen a person who had passed on look as vibrant and glowing–as beautiful–as she did. That can be somewhat of a testament to the work of the funeral home, but we also believe it was because of her spirit. Even in death, she was shining and glowing. I will never have the words to adequately express appreciation to the folks of Midway Pentecostal Church who have diligently cared for her all of these wonderful years. You are truly the definition of what God’s people are meant to be and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Special thanks to the staff of Ozarks Healthcare Hospital who cared for her in those last days and put up with the multitudes who came to comfort Aunt Ruth. So long for a time, special lady. Well done, good and faithful servant. You are loved beyond words.