Trula Ruby (Hayford) Heath was born in Huggins Township Sec 17 to Ralph Leslie and Vera Estelle (Meyers) Hayford on June 30, 1926 near Millboro, SD. When born, her parents had not decided on a name, so the doctor declared her name as Mary Ann. Trula did not find out she was using an illegal name until 1974, when she and Howard needed passports to travel abroad.
As a child, Trula’s family lived in many places, both in Nebraska and South Dakota. She lived west of Shadley Creek and west of Kewanee School. Her fondest memories were on Plum Creek near Johnstown, as it related to her favorite books written by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Her family finally settled in Beaver Creek Township where they ranched and she met the love of her life, Howard Heath.
Trula attended Beaver Creek during grade school and three years of high school. She graduated from Valentine High School. While attending her final year of high school, she received her normal training, allowing her to teach school. She taught school several years prior to marrying Howard.
Howard and Trula united in marriage October 26, 1946 and were blessed with three children. They settled in Huggins Township where they farmed and ranched until retirement on a very cold, blistering day on January 1, 1993.
Trula taught at various rural schools around the Millboro and Keyapaha area over a 25 year period. Some of those schools included Beaver Creek, Roberts, New Huggins, Riverside, Cloverdale, Sand Creek and East View. During her teaching career, she established many lifelong friends and all her students were favorites.
At the age of 33, Trula decided to return to Southern State Teachers College, Springfield, SD to obtain her Bachelor of Science degree in education. She attended summer school every summer until graduating at the age of 45. She was recognized as being one of the best teachers in Tripp County.
Trula will be remembered for her positive attitude, her love for learning and her wittiness. She was a person that never complained. She inspired many and loved many. Trula had many artistic hobbies, however in the last few years was unable to participate.
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