Ruth Tyson Slay, 92, died at Hospice Ministries in Ridgeland, July 12, 2013. Visitation was held at Stringer Funeral Home in Hazlehurst from 10 until 11 a.m. on Monday, with a graveside service immediately following in the Hazlehurst Cemetery.

Mrs. Slay was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Beryl Slay, in 1969, parents W.R. Tyson and Estelle Shows Tyson, and her brothers and sisters. She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Slay was a lifelong resident of Copiah County, having lived in Beauregard, Hazlehurst and Wesson. She was a graduate of Wesson A.H.S. and Copiah-Lincoln Junior College. She was employed at Stahl Urban Manufacturing Company in Brookhaven for 18 years in the accounting department. She was later employed at Copiah-Lincoln in the business office for 15 years. After retirement, Ruth was heavily involved in geneology. She conducted extensive research and had a book published on the Tyson family. She also did genealogical research for people both locally and from many other states.

Ruth was a longtime member of the United Methodist Church in Wesson. She was a very active participant in many church activities, including Methodist United Women and served on the local district, conference and jurisdiction levels. In these capacities, she traveled extensively both nationally and internationally. Another passion of hers was being a vital part of the Past Regent of the Cherokee Rose of the D.A.R. in Hazlehurst. She helped countless women do the genealogical research necessary to become a member of the D.A.R.

Ruth enjoyed many hobbies, including gardening, cooking and entertaining, knitting, sewing and most of all, collecting antiques. To be invited to Ruth’s home was to step back in time to an era where entertaining and the love shown for each guest was supreme. She adored doing for others, and she will be sorely missed by many, many friends and relatives.

Memorials may be made to Hospice Ministries, Towne Center Blvd. in Ridgeland, MS 39157 or the charity of your choice.