Ruth Isabelle Steele Hayes passed away on September 25, 2015 at Sierra Health Care Center in T or C, New Mexico

Visitation will be begin at 9:00 O'clock in the morning on Wednesday, September 30, 2015 at Baca's Funeral Chapel where the Funeral Service will follow at 10:00 am with Rev. Floyd Robertson officiating. Concluding services and interment will follow at Memory Lane Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be, Wes Smith, Jimmy Littleton, Mitch Young, Roy Littleton, Justin Young, and Josh Young.

Ruth was born January 19, 1925 in Big Cane, Louisiana to Alvin and Ruby (Jackson) Steele.

Ruth is survived by one daughter, Sandra Smith (Larry) of Silver City; step-daughter, Betty Dean of Irving Tx; step-son, Johnnie D. Hayes of Elephant Butte; adopted daughter, Wilma Young (Marvin) of Las Cruces. She is also survived by one sister, Ophelia Fogleman of Morrow, Louisiana. Ruth has 11 grandchildren, LeeAnne, Cindy, Kathy, Michael, Shauna, Gary, Jimmy, Wayne, Freda, "Weech", and Wes. Also surviving her are 18 great grandchildren, and eight great-great grandchildren, two of whom often visited her in T or C, Morgan and Taylor Littleton.

Ruth was preceded in death by her loving husband of 56 years Barnie Judson Dale Hayes; a son, Kent Hayes; a daughter, Sharon Hayes Littleton; and a brother, Alvin Earl Steele.

Ruth loved her family. She enjoyed cooking and eating. She was a wonderful candy maker, and could make the best cajun food. She valued her roots in the south.

Ruth was an LPN at Fort Bayard for over 20 years. She spent her early retirement on Rosedale Road. She loved sunflowers and butterflies.She loved to shop and travel.

She will be missed dearly. Her kind words, soft heart, and sweet spirit.