Ruth Haymond

Ruth Haymond, 99, of Winterset died October 19, 2012 at the Winterset Care Center North. A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m., Monday, October 22 at the Winterset Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to a fund established in her name. On-line condolences may be made to the family at www.ochiltree.com. Mary Ruth Brewer was born April 5, 1913 in Waynesboro, Tennessee, the daughter of John and Georgia (House) Brewer. Ruth completed the 8th grade and went on to work in the Avondale Cotton Mills to help support her family. She met her future husband Chet Haymond, in Alabama and eventually took a train to meet him in Kansas and the two were married December 28, 1943 in Independence. After their marriage, Ruth and Chet together managed the Haymond Century Farm. Ruth enjoyed vegetable and floral gardening; participating in many floral shows. She also did a lot of canning and was a great cook. Ruth was a 4-H leader, member of the Rebekah Lodge and W.R.C. in Macksburg. She was also a member of Wesley Chapel Methodist Church and was active in the UMW and multiple garden clubs. When she was young, Ruth learned to play the alto saxophone and even played under the direction of John Philip Sousa when she lived in Birmingham, Alabama. She played in several dance bands over the years and played her saxophone into her 80’s. Ruth always attended and supported her children and grandchildren at many school activities, and especially enjoyed sports activities including basketball and softball games. Ruth is survived by her two daughters, Mary Frances (John) King of Creston and Dixie Lee (Mike) Erdman of Winterset; four grandchildren, Kevin (Carol) King, Kim (Margie) King, Matt (Pam) Erdman and Jess (Natalie) Erdman; and six great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Chet in 2007; four brothers, Chester, Buford, Houston, and Herman; and two sisters, Susie and Margie.