Ruth Brown

Ruth Esther Jenkins Hayward Brown, born June 15, 1947, went to be with Jesus on August 16, 2026, at the age of 79. She is survived by her loving husband of 16 years, Jerry Brown. She also leaves behind four children, Kristy (Vance) Johnson, Lisa (William) Graf, Whaley (Beth) Hayward, and Kara (Brandon) Schlichter, and three stepchildren, Becky (Chris) Pugh, Scott (Susie) Brown, and Christy Brown. She is also survived by sixteen grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, and one great-grandson on the way. She also fostered many children over the years, including Josh Hood and Andrea Hood Smith, whom she lovingly mothered for around six years. She is survived by her three brothers and two sisters. She was preceded in death by her first husband of 30 years, Whaley L. Hayward, and her parents, John and Helen Jenkins. She graduated from Waverly High School, Circleville Bible College (now Ohio Christian University), and Cedarville University. She served two years on the Mexican border, teaching English to Spanish-speaking children. She enjoyed reading, sewing, yard sales, and baking bread for her family. She homeschooled her children and helped start a homeschool co-op, HIS Academy, in the 1980s, which five of her grandchildren now attend. She was active in the Laurelville 10-cent Sale from the beginning and also volunteered for the Laurelville Food Pantry for many years. She was a homemaker for several years, but also worked for and retired from the Board of DD in Chillicothe. For over ten years, she served alongside her husband, Jerry, with Operation Christmas Child, helping individuals and churches prepare shoebox gifts that brought joy and the Gospel of Jesus Christ to children around the world. She gave her life to Jesus at a young age, and her faith remained the foundation of her life. She faithfully served Him throughout her years and leaves a legacy of faith for her family. A viewing will be held Wednesday, August 19, 2026, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. at Wellman Funeral Home in Laurelville. Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Wellman Funeral Home in Laurelville, with Pastor David Lattimer officiating. A graveside service will follow at Hallsville Cemetery. Following the graveside service, family and friends are invited to the Laurelville Church of God for a meal and time of fellowship. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions may be made in Ruth’s name to Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child, a ministry that was very dear to her heart. To contribute, please visit Ruth’s memorial page at https://www.samaritanspurse.org/memorial-page/ruth-hayward-brown-laurelville-oh/ Online condolences can be made at www.wellmanfuneralhomes.com.