Ruth E. Hayden

Ruth E. Hayden, 91, a lifelong resident of Newton Township, died on Thursday at St. Mary's Villa, Elmhurst Township. She was the widow of Leroy Hayden, who died in 1999.

Born in Scranton, she was the daughter of the late Maurice J. and Myrtle Williams Black. Before retirement, she was a beautician, employed at JC Penny at the Viewmont Mall, and practiced reflexology. Ruth was also the Newton Township tax collector for many years. She was a member of Hillside Haven Church in South Abington Township. She enjoyed gardening and collecting antiques. She was a devoted caregiver to her disabled husband for 25 years. Her passions were her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Surviving are sons James Hayden of Roaring Brook Township and Ronald Hayden of Lake Ariel; son-in-law Jay Hoyt of South Abington Township; nine grandchildren: Keith, Erik, Joshua, Jared, Justin, and Jeremy Hayden, Jordan Hoyt Calvey, Lauren, and Matthew Hoyt; and eight great-grandchildren. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Karen Ruth Hoyt, daughter-in-law Dorothy Hayden, and three sisters: Emiline Yeisley, Clesta Trivelpiece, and Vera Finch.

A funeral will be held on Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home, 418 S. State Street, Clarks Summit, with services by Pastor Stephen Merkh, pastor of Hillside Haven. Interment will follow in Fairlawn Cemetery, Dalton. Friends may call on Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m at the funeral home.