Ruth Barbara Hayter, 98, of North Wallace and formerly of Truro, passed away peacefully at North Cumberland Health Care Centre, Pugwash, on September 25, 2026.

Ruth was born in Halifax to Neta (Hartlen) and Arthur Wilson. She was the eldest daughter of four children. At eight years old, she saw the Hindenburg fly over Halifax. Ruth graduated with her Grade 11 from Queen Elizabeth High School. Towards the end of the War, she worked alongside her future sister-in-law, Jean, in the Mapping/Drafting Department at the Halifax Dockyard, and volunteered at a military canteen providing supplies to service men and women. In 1951, she married our Dad, Ralph Arthur Hayter. After the birth and raising of four children, Ruth went back to work at the Registry of Motor Vehicles for several years.

In the 70s, Ruth, Ralph and family moved to Truro and then Frankville, returning to Truro in the 80s. During this time, they enjoyed many winter vacations in Florida with daughter Linda and son-in-law Bruce. After Dad’s passing in 2004, Ruth and daughter Nancy continued the Florida tradition. Ruth and son Ross spent many summer vacations with Nancy, son-in-law Doug and grandson Davis on the South Shore. Ruth lived the last three and a half years of her life on the bay at a home in Fox Harbour, always lovingly supported and cared for by her son Ross and now by daughter Nancy and son-in-law Doug.

Everyone loved Ruth, and Ruth loved her family and close friends. She loved the ocean, loved to laugh and loved life. She always maintained a positive attitude and found joy in every day and the small things that life offers. She loved gathering for a family meal and a hot cup of tea afterwards. She enjoyed gardening, listening to music, sitting out on a sunny afternoon and keeping up-to-date on the news and weather. She was blessed with a keen mind, always reading, knitting, stargazing and doing the daily crossword as long as her eyes would allow. She was always “good company.”

Ruth is survived by daughter Linda Wyllie (Bruce), son Ross, daughter Nancy Hayter (Doug Swinamer); grandchildren Adam Wyllie (Christina), Marianne Wyllie (Craig Smith), Davis Swinamer (Gabby Barlow); and great-grandchildren Kate and Claire Wyllie, and Myles and Levi Smith. She was predeceased by her husband of 52 years, Ralph Arthur Hayter, young son Donald and young brother Lewis, as well as brother Leslie Wilson and sister Audrey Nelson. Cremation has taken place and no memorial service by request.

Ruth’s family would like to sincerely thank the health care staff at the North Cumberland Health Care Centre who took such exceptional care of our mother in her final weeks. We will never forget their kindness and compassion to her and to us as we prepared to say goodbye to our Mom.

Mom was our base. We can already hear her voice telling us to take care of ourselves, to take care of each other and to go on. Goodnight Mom. God bless.