Ruby Hayes Obituary

Ruby Carole Bare Britt Hayes

April 17, 1937 -

November 22, 2025

Ruby Carole Bare Britt Hayes was born at home on April 17, 1937, in Ashe County, North Carolina, the daughter of Arvil and Myrtle Phyllis Bare and passed away on November 22, 2025, at the Johnson City Medical Center. She was predeceased by her parents and an older brother, Clay Delano Bare of Elizabethton, Tennessee, and son, Daniel Britt of Owensboro, Kentucky.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 33 years, Dr. Steven Hayes, daughter, Cynthia (Marty) Ferguson of Cary, NC, granddaughters, Reese and Bennett Ferguson of Cary and a grandson, Jeb Britt of Utica, Kentucky. Also, stepdaughter, Stephanie Richards (Ken) of Bloomington, Indiana and Michelle McSwain of Hickory, North Carolina, step granddaughter, Alexis McSwain and stepson, Brian Hayes (Beth) and step grandson Sean of Kannapolis, North Carolina, her special brother-in-law, Johnny Britt and a special friends, David Kelly and Sue Harden. Also, her nieces and nephews, Joann (Billy) Tindall, Steven Bare, Clay Bare, Jr., and Terry and Stanley Bare.

Carole graduated from Elizabethton High School then trained as a medical laboratory technician working at Carter County Hospital. She later trained as an x-ray technician and worked at several urgent care facilities in the Tri Cities and Greeneville areas. She was known for her kind, generous, sweet spirit and a smile that could light up a room. She was an accomplished homemaker, cook, seamstress, Halloween costume maker, and maker of designer -quality clothing.

She was a dedicated member of the First United Methodist Church of Elizabethton for over 60 years, a member of the church choir and worked in preschool for several years. She enjoyed hiking, traveling, flower gardening and good times with friends until the last few weeks of her life.

A celebration of Carole's life will be conducted at 2:00 PM on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at First United Methodist Church of Elizabethton with Reverend Mark McFadden and Reverend Raymond Amos, Sr. officiating. Music will be provided by Mrs. Debbie Gouge, Mr. David Arney and Mrs. Susan Heaton. The family will receive friends at the church from 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM prior to the service on Saturday.

The graveside service will follow at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. Honorary pallbearers will be John Britt, David Kelly and Terry Bare.

Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations in memory of Carole to the First United Methodist Church of Elizabethton or the American Cancer Society.

Words of sympathy may be shared with the family by visiting our website at www.tetrickfuneralhome.com. Tetrick Funeral Home of Elizabethton is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Ruby Carole Bare Britt Hayes. Office phone: (423) 542-2232.