Norma Hayes, 96, passed away Saturday, December 28, 2019, at the Good Samaritan Society, Ellsworth, KS. Norma Louise Hayes was born November 12, 1923 in Stockton, KS to Ira and Charlotte (Bird) Hazen.
Norma married John Ward Hayes in Mankato, KS on September 26, 1948. They were married 47 years until his death in 1993. She and Ward raised six children working a farm and ranch operation until their retirement in 1989. During these years, Norma sewed and cooked for her family, drove a truck during wheat harvest, worked as head cook at USD 269 Palco, KS and baked and decorated wedding cakes. She was a member of Ogallah Christian Church, in Ogallah, KS; Red Line Church of God in Palco; and First United Methodist Church of Ellsworth. She will be fondly remembered for her good natured laugh and beautiful quilts which she made for each grandchild. She showed gracious hospitality – there was always space at her table for whoever showed up unannounced.
Norma was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ward; brothers, Duane and Sherman; sisters, Mary Ruth and Myrtle Maxine; and grandson, Glen Hayes. She is survived by her children, Dan (Marcia) Hayes of Smithville, MO, Kathy (Jerry) Francisco of Fort Worth, TX, Doug (Tadhi) Hayes of Amarillo, TX, Steve (Peggy) Hayes of Stafford, KS, Greg (Brynda) Hayes of Ellsworth, and Mark (Debbie) Hayes of El Dorado, KS; 17 grandchildren, 55 great grandchildren, and 16 great-great grandchildren.
Visitation: 1-8 p.m., Thursday, January 2, 2020 at Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth with family present 6-8 p.m.
Funeral service: 10:30 a.m., Friday, January 3, 2020 at the First United Methodist Church of Ellsworth.
Burial: 3:00 p.m., Friday at the Morlan Township Cemetery in Graham County.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, c/o, Parsons Funeral Home, Box 45, Ellsworth, KS 67439.