Ruth M. Mayhall, 1921 – 2005

This is Helen Ayers Johnson of Shinnston, W.Va. Every time I try to write something, not already written, about my late aunt Ruth Mayhall, it is hard to speak of her in the past, not the present. My heart is filled with sadness over her passing, but I know she is with God and no longer in pain. I loved her very, very much. She was my second mother, my friend, and my counselor — all those and more. We talked very much — sometimes several times a day. She was always concerned about my health and recovery after breast cancer, taking the medicine, and all the things I’d worry about, she’d say not to — that I’d just worry myself into more stress. Sometimes she sent me card after card of encouragement, and she’d write down Bible verses to read.

 She loved us dearly and was always there for us. She never expected anything from anybody — just to try to be the best they could be. Everybody loved my aunt Ruth, daughter of Charles and Nora Mayhall. My late mother, Hazel Mayhall Ayers, was her sister. They had a little sister, Mabel, who died at 13. There were five brothers: Roy, Charles, Howard, Frank, and Richard. Richard is the only surviving sibling. There are several nieces and nephews (greats- and great-greats- and a great- great-great niece). She has a United Methodist Women’s circle named in her honor here in Shinnston, W.Va. Ruth will be remembered always, and sadly missed by all of us.