Ruth Darleen Hayes Goddard

Donelson, TN

Age 83, passed away Monday, January 13, 2014 at her home in Donelson, TN from complications of COPD. She was surrounded by her loving family and died peacefully in her sleep.

Ruth was born January 28, 1930 in Nashville, TN to Allen and Anna Hayes. She was the third of seven children and the family resided in the East Nashville area for many years. Ruth graduated from East High School in 1948, where she sang in a quartet called 'The Harmonettes'. She attended David Lipscomb College then went to work for Hoover Trucking Company.

She married Thomas L. Goddard on February 1st, 1955, and the couple settled in Donelson, where Tommy ran several service stations over the years. They raised 4 children and were long time members of the Church of Christ. Ruth was always actively involved in church and school affairs, serving as Sunday School teacher, scout leader, and PTO board member. She and her husband were instrumental in the establishment of Donelson Christian School. She was also a longtime member of the Pennington Bend Home Demonstration Club, where she served as president for 20 years. Mayor Karl Dean declared October 2nd, 2008 as 'Ruth Goddard Day' in honor of her many years of service to the Donelson community.

She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Tommy; their children, Tommy Goddard (Cindy), Jennifer Conder (Chris), Cindy Goddard, and Paula McCollum (John); grandchildren Carson, Katie and Caroline Conder, Steven and Olivia Goddard; siblings Col. Jack Hayes (Arvelia), Ann Craddock, Jean Duncan, and Gabby Hayes (Linda), and brother-in-law, Woody Harris.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Frances Harris and her sister, Elizabeth Dedmon, who passed away unexpectedly the same morning as Ruth; brothers-in-law, Ed Craddock, Jacques Dedmon, Carl Duncan and sister-in-law, Rita Hayes.

Ruth was a beloved wife, mother and friend who will be forever loved and missed and can never be replaced.

A funeral service will be conducted at 1 p.m. Friday, January 17, 2014 at Hibbett & Hailey Funeral Home, with Rodney Cloud officiating. Burial will follow in the Woodlawn Memorial Park. Visitation with the family will be Wednesday from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m., Thursday from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m., and 2 hours prior to the service on Friday at Hibbett & Hailey Funeral Home.