Born on July 26, 1933 in Ware Shoals, SC, she was a daughter of the late John Edward Hayes and Ilar Eugene Smith Hayes.  Growing up, she was a member of the First Baptist Church in Ware Shoals.  Ruth was also in the Girl Scouts and was a member of the GA’s at the church. She graduated from Ware Shoals High School and from Lander College with an Associate of Arts degree in Secretarial Science.  She retired from Lander College in 1999.  Prior to working at Lander, she was employed with the Greenwood County Clerk of Court’s office as Deputy Clerk for a number of years. 

Ruth enjoyed traveling, reading, and babysitting her grandchildren. She also was a former member of the Hodges Order of The Eastern Star Chapter #272.  She was a former member of the Emerald Chapter of the Professional Secretaries International (PSI) in Greenwood where she served as President in 1986 and was named “Secretary of the Year” on April 1986. Ruth became a member of Hyde Park Baptist Church in 1995  and held various positions there.  Ruth was also a former member of Westminster Presbyterian Church. Ruth was married to the late John Willis Hodges. 

Survivors include a daughter, Debrah Hodges (Glenn) Miller,  a son, Willis Keith  (Becky) Hodges, three grandchildren, Christopher John (Ginger) Miller, Amy Miller (Craig)  Williams, and Elizabeth Miller Hinson, and six great-grand children.

Ruth was predeceased by a son, George Stevenson Hodges, four sisters, Frances McGaha, Cora Hannah, Kathryn Whatley, Lois Wood, and four brothers, Edward, Andrew, Clyde, and Frank Hayes.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM at Parker-White Funeral Home Chapel in Ware Shoals on Friday, January 3, 2025 with Dr. Christopher Leonard officiating.

The family is at their respective homes and will receive friends 1-2 Friday at Parker-White Funeral Home prior to the service. Private burial will be at Greenwood Memorial Gardens at a later date.

In Lieu of flowers memorials should be made to Ashley Square Assisted Living, Caris Hospice, Rock Presbyterian Church, all of Greenwood or Greenville Presbyterian Church of Donalds. Message of condolences may be left online at www.ParkerWhitePruitt.com