Bedford- Emma Ruth (Haynes) Sears, 97, of Bedford, passed away at 11:07 pm, on Sunday, July 16, 2023, at IU Health Bedford Hospital.

Born December 27, 1925, in Bloomington, she was the daughter of Carter “C.C.” and Clara Z. (Broyles) Haynes. She married Ralph Howard Sears, and he preceded her in death. Emma Ruth was a 1944 graduate of Bloomington High School, and a 1947 graduate of CBI in Springfield, MO. She retired from AT&T. She was a member of the Free Methodist Church in Bedford, and the American Legion.

Survivors include a son, Donald Haynes Bingham, and his wife Tammy of Spencer. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and four siblings, James L. Haynes, Pauline Hardy, Ross Haynes, and Don Haynes.

A graveside service will be conducted at 11:00 am on Tuesday, July 25th at Green Hill Cemetery with Pastor Scott Salm officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Free Methodist Church in Bedford. Family and friends may express condolences at www.daycarter.com.