Ruth Hay

Ruth was born February 14, 1931 in San Antonio, Texas to Alonzo Ward Dewoody and Kathryn Shepard Dewoody.  She was raised in Dilley, Texas where she excelled in school and finished at the top of her class.  She attended Texas Women’s University and graduated with a degree in mathematics.

While at college Ruth met her best friend, Marilyn Hunter Tillman.  It was Marilyn who introduced Ruth to her cousin, Ray Marvin Hay of Bandera, Texas.  Ruth and Ray Marvin married and had one child, Thomas Lynn Hay.

Immediately after college, Ruth was employed by the Federal Government and worked as a code breaker and writer.

After a period of time at home, Ruth began her teaching career at Bandera High School.  She taught algebra, trigonometry and elementary analysis for many years, teaching two generations of Bandera kids.  She was beloved by her students and many will attest to her passion for and skill at, teaching math.

After retiring from teaching, Ruth joined her husband at the Bandera Bulletin where she set type among many other jobs.  When they purchased Boerne Printing she worked there as well.

She was an extremely talented person.  She sewed beautifully, crocheted intricate lace, made custom jewelry and bags, custom rugs and beautiful stained glass pieces.  If there was something that interested her, she would master the skill quickly.  There was very little she couldn’t do.

Ruth, Tom and Ray Marvin loved to travel and took many wonderful vacations together, traveling all over the United States.  She loved birds and flowers and many weekend road-trips were taken through South or West Texas and the valley to see the wildflowers and birds.  Friends and family could count on fresh grapefruit, oysters or cantaloupe when they returned.

Ruth cared deeply about her community, both county and city.  She worked elections for many years and could be considered an influencer of sorts.  Her opinion was valued and respected by many.  She knew how to get things done.

She was an avid lover of history, especially the history of South Texas and the Hill Country.   Ruth read numerous books recanting the history and politics of these regions and she was somewhat of an expert in this area.

In addition to the great love and respect Ruth held for her son Tom, she loved and adored her grandchildren, Kevin Grant Hay and Alix Kendall Hay.  She was so proud of the children they were and the adults they have become.

Ruth was predeceased by her parents, Alonzo and Kathryn Dewoody, her husband Ray Marvin Hay and her sister and brother-in-law, Ginny and Bill Brient.  She is survived by her son Tom and his children, Kevin and Alix.  She is also survived by her nephews Bob and Jim Brient and her niece, Brenda Pope and their families who all lovingly called her Boo.  Ruth also leaves a host of dear friends and cousins including but not limited to Tommy and Janie Mikesell, Opal Word and Lauren Langford.

A funeral service will be held at Grimes Bandera Funeral Chapel on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at 10:30 a.m.  A private graveside service will be held later.

Pallbearers are:  Kevin Hay, Bob Brient, Jim Brient, Mark Pope, Les Short and Tommy Mikesell.