Ruth T. Hayes

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, Ruth T. Hayes, age 98, who died peacefully on February 15, 2026.

Born in Lynn, MA on Dec 22, 1927, she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Beatrice (Burke) White. She was raised and educated in Lynn, MA where she graduated from St Mary’s High School. She went on to attend Fisher College where she attained her associates degree as a medical secretary. Soon after she met and married her husband Robert (Bob) Hayes with whom she enjoyed 67 years of marriage. They raised 5 children-Kathleen, Jeanne, Robert, Diane and William.

Together Ruth and Robert founded County Insurance Agency which they ran and operated for over 50 years until their retirement. Thereafter, they enjoyed many winters in Naples, FL.

Ruth was a world-traveler having visited over 30 countries during her travels. She was also a music lover and a great pie baker. Her home was the center of many family holiday dinners, and she loved spending time with her many friends.

Ruth is survived by her five children, Kathleen Moore and her husband Richard of Tom’s River, NJ, Jeanne Kornachuk and her husband Walter of Danvers, MA, Robert E Hayes and his wife Claudia of Gloucester, MA, Diane Hayes and her husband Michael Smith of Snowmass Village, CO, and William Hayes and his wife Pina of Merrimac, MA, her grandchildren Kristin, Jonathan, Shanna, Hayley, Amanda, Steven, Michael, and Nicolas, 8 great-grandchildren, and her nieces Janet Pazik (Lynn, MA) and Maryann Bellevue (Peterborough, NH). Ruth was predeceased by her loving husband Bob, her sister Mary Pazik, and brother William White.

The Hayes family is grateful to Freedom Healthcare and their dedicated staff for the care she received, especially from Clara, Sam, Lulu and Alice, as well as to the caring staff at Kaplan Family Hospice House.

Funeral services will be private.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Ruth’s memory may be made to the American Red Cross, online at www.redcross.org.  Arrangements are by C.R. Lyons & Sons Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers Square.  To share a message of sympathy with the Hayes family, please visit www.LyonsFuneral.com.