Ruth Gladys Kempton Hayes was born on August 25, 1933 in Elliott, Iowa, the daughter of William and Naomia (Davis) Silkett. Ruth entered into the arms of her Lord on Thursday, December 22, 2011, at the Gardenview Care Center in Shenandoah, Iowa following a brave battle with cancer.

Ruth's early years were spent in the community of Red Oak. She graduated from Red Oak High School with the Class of 1951. Just this past September Ruth attended her 60th class reunion, which was one of the highlights of her year.

Ruth was united in marriage to Paul Earl Long in 1951, and to this union one daughter Jeanine was born. In 1954 she was united in marriage to Don Kempton, this marriage was blessed with the birth of a daughter Cindy. Don and Ruth were married for 48 years, before Don's passing. She later found happiness with Vern Hayes, when they were married on October 10, 2010.

During Ruth's working years she was employed as a sales clerk for several retail store. Some of her hobbies included reading, sewing, playing the organ and singing. She was a member of the United Congregational Church in Farragut.

She was preceded in death of her grandparents Jack and Ruth Holt Davis and William and Albertina Wenberg Silkett; parents William "Roy" Silkett and Naomia Davis Fox and Fred Fox; 3 brothers in infancy; and husband Donald Kempton.

Those left to cherish her memory include her daughters Jeanine Long of Franklin, NC and Cindy Richter and husband Jerry of Sidney, IA; grandchildren Jason Boylan, Carissa Buckson, Heather Seberger, D.J. Seberger, Angelica Richter, Starr Rogers and Christopher Richter; 11 great-grandchildren; brother Jack Silkett; other relatives and friends.