Hayden (Blesedell) Ruth Elaine – With gratitude and love for a life well lived, the family announces the peaceful passing of Ruth Elaine (Blesedell) Hayden, 97, on October 16, 2019. Ruth was born in Mira to Rev. John Milford and Annie Rena (Doncaster) Blesedell.
As the daughter of a Baptist minister, Ruth lived in many places including Cape Breton, Shelburne, Grand Manan, Guysborough and North River, P.E.I. After completing a business course at Prince of Wales College, her working life began in Woodstock, then moved on to Moncton and eventually to Halifax.
During those working years, Ruth enjoyed playing badminton, skating, and being a part of a sorority. She studied voice and enjoyed singing in church choirs wherever she lived. While visiting her parents in Sable River in 1956, she met the love of her life, a handsome local bachelor Alburn Hayden, whom she married in 1958. They settled into married life on the family farm in Jordan Falls and welcomed three children in the next four years. After the death of her husband in 1970, Ruth was employed as the administrative assistant to the Supervisor of Schools where she remained until her retirement. Throughout her life in Jordan Falls, she was immersed in raising her family and serving her church. She served in many capacities in the Jordan Falls United Baptist Church including being appointed their first female deacon.
It wasn’t until into her 80s that Ruth eventually left her beloved home on Hayden’s Road and moved to Brookfield to be close to family. She remained living independently in her own apartment until the age of 94. She was affectionately known as “Mrs. Christie” by the residents in her building for the freshly baked cookies or goodies she prepared for each Saturday morning coffee time.
Ruth was predeceased by her parents, her husband; and her sister, Doris (Jelly). She is survived by daughters, Cynthia (Gower) Fiander, Brenda Hayden; and son, Stephen (Anna); as well as her sister-in-law, Margaret Smith, Massachussetts. She will be dearly missed by her three nieces, nephew, nine grandchildren, and five great grandchildren.
A celebration of life service, conducted by Rev. Frank Locke, will be held on October 19th, at 11 a.m. in Brookfield Baptist Church. No formal visitation will take place, however, family will be available from 10:15-10:45 a.m. prior to the service. Friends in the area are welcome to join Ruth’s family at the committal at 4 p.m. in Locust Hill Cemetery, Hayden’s Road, Jordan Falls.
The family sincerely thanks the staff at both East Cumberland Lodge and Elk Court for the compassionate and exceptional care that Ruth received. If so wished, donations in memory of Ruth may be made to Brookfield Baptist Church or Stephen Hardy Hayden Memorial Cemetery Fund in Jordan Falls.
Arrangements are under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit.
A message of condolence for the family may be left by posting your comment as a guest in the area below.
