Ruth Eloise Shelby

Ruth Eloise Hayes Shelby, age 95, widow of Thomas O. Shelby, passed away at Skyline Suites Assisted Living in Salem, Indiana on December 18, 2025. She was formerly of Covington, Tennessee.

Mrs. Shelby was born April 4, 1930 in Decatur County, Tennessee to Wylie McKinley Hayes and Maggie Ruth (Moore) Hayes.

She became a Christian as a child and her unwavering faith was evident in her life. She was active in the community and church throughout her life and people enjoyed her southern colloquialisms. She was an avid reader and loved to travel. She enjoyed the trip of a lifetime to Israel and Jordan when she was 80 years old. She most recently attended Westside Baptist Church until her declining health prevented.

She is survived by son, Keith (Barb) Shelby of Salem, IN and daughter Melanie (Ben) Overall of Powell, TN. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Madison (Tim) Grant and Brandon Overall of Knoxville, TN, Claire (Chris) Journell of Murfreesboro, TN and Evan (Kelsey) Shelby of Sellersburg, IN. Two great grandchildren Camden Grant and Eloise Journell. She is also survived by two siblings, Betty Mangrum of Lexington, TN and Max Earl (Donna) Hayes of Parsons, TN, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Shelby is preceded in death by her husband, two sons, Michael and Mark, her parents, sisters, Doris Higdon, Maxine Riggs and brother Vester Hayes.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00A.M on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at Magnolia Gardens Cemetery, Covington, Tennessee.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Gideons or the charity of your choice.