Aunt Mary was many things. She was strong, opinionated, fearless, thoughtful and determined. She knew her mind and exuded a sense of confidence that was pure magic to witness. Being the baby of the baby, and one of the few girls born of the Saltsman clan, Aunt Mary was my idol. I looked up to her and wanted to be just like her when I grew up. She was the coolest, prettiest woman with the best taste in clothes, shoes and home decor. As I settled into adulthood, we would talk on the phone for hours. Bitching and moaning, telling stories and confiding in each other. Her first marriage was less than perfect, but fate would have her meet Don Hayes. Don changed the trajectory of her life. He was the person that taught her she was worthy of love. I was only 5 when Uncle Don passed away so I grew up watching my Aunt Mary be a strong, independent woman. Having lived on my own for 13 years before marrying a military man, I know her example helped shape me into the woman I am today. She was fun and sunshine and laughter, steadfastness and duty. She exuded love and encouragement and we were the lucky ones to be on the receiving end of it. I feel safe saying that none of us would be who we are, or where we are, if it wasn't for her in some way, shape or form.

She was lucky enough to have two great loves in her lifetime. She never thought anyone could, or would, love her the way Don did until RW came along. She spent the last couple decades sharing her life with a man that would move mountains for her, and in turn, for all of us because all bajillion of us Saltsman offspring were a package deal. Uncle Dubby fit seamlessly into our big, crazy family and was by her side, faithfully, until the end. Their love and partnership is an example of what we should all strive for.

I can only hope I continue to live by the examples she set. Thank you for the magic, Aunt Mary.

Mary you are going to missed by so many people and especially myself and our loving cat biscuit.  I have so many memories of all the things we done together from working in the yard  and having plants spaced perfect and the work in the garage  so we could have our little area with our woodstove to enjoy the fire and cook a pot of beans and the rides and the walks in the country and sitting at Nolan Lake. I could go on and on but is hard trying to type with my tears. You look so pretty in the picture. Biscuit and I will miss you very much but we talked and you know we will be alright.

LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU SO VERY MUCH
                           RW and BISCUIT

I have many fun memories of Aunt Mary. I could go on forever about her. She was so fun and always made my cousins and I feel so special. A lot of my best childhood memories are with her. The talks we had and the many adventures we went on. She was a giver and caretaker to all those she loved. Her way with words and gift-giving was always unique and unexpected. Her matter-of-fact,  dry sense of humor and overall tenacity for life will be missed.  I can't believe another who seemed so much larger than life is no longer with us.  I'm so grateful to my Aunt Dorothy and "Uncle" RV for the sacrifices they made in loving and caring for her. What a hard thing it must've been, to say, "Goodbye". You will be sorely missed, Aunt Mary. I welcome the day that I get to hug your neck again.

OBITUARY

Mary Ruth Hayes

September 23, 1938 – January 1, 2024

Evergreen Funeral Home & Cemetery

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