Ruth W. (Wilkens) Hayes

of Providence Point and a long-time resident of Mt. Lebanon, passed away on Monday, August 14 with her loving family by her side.  Her dearest friend, Jan, was waiting to gently usher her in at the gates.

Ruth was born on what may be the easiest day to remember (3/3/33) in Amityville, Long Island, NY.  Her parents were Fred “Pop” Wilkens and Anna (Lau) Wilkens.  She had an older brother, Fred, who cherished his little sister.

She grew up in Farmingdale, Long Island where her parents owned an ice cream parlor, candy store and luncheonette. Her most cherished memories from childhood were running the penny candy counter, sampling the fresh-made ice cream, and respecting how hard her parents worked.

Ruth graduated from Russell Sage College in Troy, NY in 1954 and maintained life-long friendships with four of her classmates.  The “Russell Sage Gang” would meet annually for fun weekend adventures along with their husbands.  She furthered her education at Katharine Gibbs Secretarial School, where she needed to act proper and wear white gloves, and then started working at Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation. 

Her college roommate introduced her to her future husband, Richard “Dick” Hayes Jr., on a blind date in Maryville, Tennessee on July 4th weekend in 1956.  They got engaged at Christmas and were married on May 26, 1957.

Ruth and Dick relocated for a “short assignment” to Pittsburgh with Alcoa.  They ended up spending the rest of their lives here.  When Ruth was not busy with her children, Rich, Sue and Fred, she was very involved with many activities, which included bowling, tennis, bridge, badminton, and golf (the “Golf Bags” league of Wingfield Pines).  For many years, Ruth volunteered at the National Amateur Clay Court Championships in Mt. Lebanon.  She also loved her Pittsburgh sports teams.   In addition, she actively volunteered at her church.

Ruth was a great organizer of social events, loved to entertain and was an excellent cook.  Prime rib and German sauerbraten were two of her specialties.  She and her husband were renowned as pranksters.

Ruth and Dick traveled extensively and loved their trips throughout the US and Europe, which included major tennis tournaments (Wimbledon, US Open and French Open).   She often reminisced about two favorite restaurants, Gramma Dots in Sanibel, FL and The Lobster House near Stone Harbor, NJ.

In 2009, Ruth and Dick moved to Providence Point and made wonderful friendships.  Ruth started the monthly ladies’ luncheon and held the reigns for ten years.  She and her husband also played “competitive” cornhole.

Surviving are her husband of 66 years, Richard “Dick” Hayes Jr., son Richard (Lynn) Hayes III, daughter Susan (Paul) Earley, and son Frederick (Annie) Hayes as well as several furry grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Mt. Lebanon United Lutheran Church, 975 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon, PA  15228.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, August 17 at 1:00 pm in the Chapel at Providence Point with a reception immediately following.  All are invited to attend.  The burial will be private.

www.laughlinfuneralhome.com