Ruth Leone Hoffmann Hayward, a proud Wisconsin ski bum who adopted Colorado to marry a Colorado high country fisherman and to ski above timberline, died on 24 April after 97 years of living life to serve others while experiencing fulfillment, passion, and joy. She was a humble saint, defining those two words which are often used though not fully appreciated.
Ruth was born 25 January 1924 in Campbellsport, Wisconsin to Dr. Leo Hoffmann and Lilly Froeling Hoffmann. She and her 5 siblings enjoyed all the small village had to offer: boating, fishing, and swimming the area lakes, sledding the hills, and playing in the open back yards for wild fun without causing trouble. She often rode along with her physician/father on house calls to farms around the village. Ruth and her siblings learned the importance of community living through the '30s depression, the war and the natural challenges of early 1900's life in a small town.
Ruth graduated from Marquette University in 1946 with a bachelor's degree in Nursing. She and fellow nurses decided to go to Colorado for skiing and nursing jobs. She met husband-to-be, Robert Hayward on a blind date ice skating at Washington Park under sparkling stars on a below-zero night. They celebrated their 70th Wedding Anniversary with immediate family September 2019, fittingly at Washington Park next to the warming house on the lake where they met. Ruth and Bob enjoyed the outdoors in summer and winter in the spectacular Rocky Mountains. She taught her 5 children to enjoy these outdoors as well as teaching them endless possibilities of life and, equally important, independence/service/humility.
Ruth bore 6 children: Bruce {1951), Daniel {1953), a still born son (1955), Gregory (1957), Philip (1959) and Terese (1963). Besides lovingly guiding and caring for us, she helped with our many school and extracurricular activities. She taught us life skills including the importance of a spiritual life; she instilled in us Christ-like values to be part of our daily lives, as they were in hers. She excelled in community and church leadership rolls including Cub Scout Den Mother, running church blood drives for decades, leader of Parish Council and PTA president, singing in the Lourdes choir, and volunteering as junior high PE teacher.
Ruth was physically active enjoying tennis, hiking, cross-county skiing, walking and running. She loved to ride her bike to activities, on errands, and to church. Riding continued into her 80’s. In her 60's she medaled in 9 summer or winter ‘Rocky Mountain Region’ and in a sprint event at the US National Senior Olympics in St. Louis. She was adept at cooking and baking; for years all our bread was home-made using local wheat that she ground at home. There were always at least 15 types of cookies for Christmas and homemade caramel corn for Halloween (in the days when that was allowed).
Ruth and Bob continued living in the family home, though with some help the past few years. Ruth's short-term memory began slipping around 2000 but this did not dampen her zest for life and helping others. She continued to laugh, reminisce, and find the positive spark in others.
A stroke on 17 April with subsequent decline in physical condition took her from us and propelled her into heaven on 24 April.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Leo Hoffmann and Lilly Froeling Hoffmann, her stepmother, Malinda (Lindy) Haak Hoffmann, her siblings Art (Marcella (Sally)& Louise). H. Jane (Sam & Geno), W.C. Phil (Gloria & Jane), and Math (Helena who is still living).
Ruth is survived by Robert, her husband of 71.5 years, sister M. Ann (Cliff, deceased), sister-in-law Helena, sons Bruce (Lori),Daniel, Gregory (Patricia), and Philip (Yayoi) and daughter Terese (David); grandchildren Amy (Clint) Cowperthwaite, Kristie (Rob) Ferree, Matthew Hayward, Philip (Danielle) Hayward, and Isaac (Mary) Hayward; great-grandchildren Ben and Abbie Cowperthwaite, Alyssa and Kaylee Ferree, Lucy Hayward and Milo Hayward. There are also numerous nieces and nephews both living and deceased.
Arrangements are through Olinger Hampden Mortuary, 8600 E. Hampden, Denver, Co [google “Ruth Hayward Obituary” will locate
A rosary/vigil will be on Wednesday, 5 May at 7:00pm: Our Lady of Lourdes church (2298 S. Logan, Denver) – Masks required
The funeral Mass will be on Thursday 6 May at 1030 am with viewing prior (9:30am) at Our Lady of Lourdes church (2298 S. Logan, Denver) – Masks Required
Reception immediately following funeral Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes church (2298 S. Logan, Denver) – Masks Required
Private Family Internment will be Thursday, 6 May at 2:15pm and Fort Logan National Cemetery.
Flowers for the services can be sent to Our Lady of Lourdes church church (2298 S. Logan, Denver)
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to:
Colorado Alzheimer's Association: (Bob and Ruth attended the support groups a LOT): https://www.alz.org/co/donate
The Cute Syndrome Foundation: (Honoring Ruth’s nursing, passion for children, and great grand-daughter)
https://www.thecutesyndrome.com/donate.html
Children Hospital Colorado, Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders: (Honoring Ruth’s pediatric nursing)
https://www.childrenscolorado.org/doctors-and-departments/departments/cancer- and-blood-disorders/
Denver Catholic Charities: (Bob and Ruth consistently supported social justice work by the Church) https://ccdenver.org/ways-to-give/
A more extensive remembrance can be seen on the Facebook page for Pat Hayward .
