Online Obituaries

Melba Hayes

July 04, 1929 - January 25, 2010

Melba Hayes, 80, of Oconee, passed away Monday, January 25, 2010 in her home. She was born July 4, 1929, the daughter of Harvey G. and Indaleen Hadley Sarver. Melba had lived in Ramsey until 1959 or 1960. She then moved to Maple Park, IL where she and her husband operated a large dairy. She came back to Oconee in 1972. Melba also ran the Farmer’s Café in Oconee and the 51 Market near Ramsey. She was later a cashier at Pana Wal-Mart, retiring after 23 years. Melba liked collecting cookbooks, cooking and baking pies; and was especially known for her coconut cream pies. She also loved hummingbirds and gardening. Melba loved watching Kenny wash tires and taking golf cart rides with Rose Marie. She would also spend hours on the phone with Janie. Melba enjoyed watching polka on Saturday nights, and looked forward to her phone calls with her friend “Toots”. Melba was currently attended the Oconee Baptist Church.
She married Ralph Kenneth Hayes on August 10, 1946.
Melba is survived by her children: Rose Marie Wolf & husband Dennis, Oconee, IL; Kenny Hayes & wife Marsha, Oconee, IL; and Janie Gibson, Pana, IL; five grandchildren: Julie Garber & husband Mike; Jared Wolf & wife Kimberly; Sarah Webb & husband Jeff; Kendra McGlauchlen & husband Eric; & Jason Gibson & wife Maryann; six great grandchildren: Kayla, Connor, Daniel, Reagan, Gabriel, & Joseph. She was preceded in death by her parents; by her husband on November 20, 1992; brother, Larry Sarver; and father & mother-in-law, Orville “Runt” & Rose Hayes.

Funeral Information

Funeral services will be held Friday, January 29, 2010 in McCracken-Dean Funeral Home at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Daniel Johnson officiating. Burial will be in Ramsey Cemetery. Friends may call Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.