"Deepest condolences to the family."
In loving memory of
Denise J. Hayes
November 2, 1959 - December 31, 2021
Denise June Davis Hayes, 62, of Yates City IL, passed away in the early morning of December 31, 2021, at her home with the love of her life, her husband, Tom, by her side. She was born on November 2, 1959, in Peoria, IL. She was the daughter of Roger and Janet (Lishman) Davis of Yates City. She married Tom Hayes on April 23, 1977, at the United Methodist Church of Farmington, IL. He survives. Denise is also survived by her mother, Janet; her sisters, Tammy (Joe) Brokaw of Monmouth, Connie (Russell) Krans of LaFayette, and Christine (Joel) Clark of Sherwood Wisconsin; her brother, Ronald (Kari) Davis of Elmwood; her daughter, Stephanie Hayes of Bushnell, IL; her son, Andrew Hayes of Bushnell, IL; her grandson, Jason Hahn of Yates City; her granddaughter, Alyxandria (Bailey) Sturgis of Monmouth; her great- grandson, Aeric Sturgis; and many uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her father and grandparents.
Denise was a 1977 graduate of Yates City High School where she was active in chorus, drama, and pompons. She worked as a Waitress at the Packinghouse Dining Company in Galesburg while attending Carl Sandburg College During the 1980's, after which she worked as the office manager for Zelmer's Dinner Theater in Farmington. She then worked as assistant to the director of tourism for the Peoria Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. She also worked part-time as the Secretary of the Elmwood United Methodist Church. She was best known as the Librarian for the Salem Township Library, a job she loved for over 16 years, and only retired when her health would no longer allow it. It was her great passion to organize activities, and programs for the young and old as well. She wanted everyone to feel welcome, and to love the Library as much as she did.
Denise was an avid reader, finishing one book after another, and would always give helpful reviews of these books to anyone who would ask her about them. She loved to suggest books to patrons of the library. Her personal favorites were "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott, "The Killer Angels" by Michael Shaara, and "Gone With the Wind" by Margaret Mitchell. She gravitated toward historical novels, but would read any type of book she found of interest.
Denise loved her family very much, and was a wonderful Mother and Grandmother. She was a master at knitting, crocheting, and cross-stitch, and delighted at making gifts such as quilts, afghans, and cross-stitch art for her children, grandkids, family, and friends.
She loved playing Scrabble with her sister, Chris, and anyone else who could present a challenge to her at the game, although there were few.
Denise was a Christian Woman who loved Jesus, and an active member of the Elmwood United Methodist Church, where she enjoyed attending services as well as bible studies, helped with food pantry, and Sunday School, as well as other activities. She also helped organize Vacation Bible School every Summer for many years.
She loved to travel with her husband Tom, and together they enjoyed many wonderful trips all over the United States during their 44 years of marriage. She loved the mountains and caves, and they made sure to visit them whenever possible. The two also enjoyed old movies, "Casablanca" being their favorite. She loved the theatre, trivia games, "Jeopardy!" and cheering on her beloved Chicago Cubs, who won the World Series on her birthday in 2016. She had a wonderful happy life, and was blessed with many good friends, a loving husband, and a terrific family, all of whom loved her very, very much.
Cremation rites have been accorded. There will be a visitation from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., on Saturday, January 8, 2022, at the Elmwood United Methodist Church followed by a funeral service at 11:30 a.m., at the church. Lunch will be served in the fellowship hall, directly after the service. Burial will be at a later date.
Memorials may be made to the Salem Township Library or the Elmwood United Methodist Church.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com
Oaks Hines Funeral Home in Elmwood is in charge of arrangements.
Tributes
"My deepest sympathy to the entire family"
"My condolences to the family. Denise was among the first people I met when I moved to Yates City 16 years ago. I met her at the library and then also worked with her at the library. "
"I was so very sorry to learn of the passing of Denise. We go back to our grade school days and she was so much fun to be around. I was blessed to have her as a friend and she will be missed by so many. I am grateful our paths crossed in this life and when we meet again, i am sure she will be smiling at us all with warm greetings in Heaven. Condolences go out to Tom and all the family. ? ????"
"My condolences on your loss. I was close friends with Stephanie in jr hi/high school mainly & my mom was close with Denise through the library & church. My condolences to the family & am thinking of you during the healing process."
"Tom and Family, I am so very sorry for the loss of your Wife, Mother, sister, daughter and friend. I used to live in Yates City and knew both of you well. I am so sorry to hear about Denise. May God Comfort you and give you strength.
Betty Curry"
"Denise was always there when you needed a friend we had a lot of things common we raised are grandchildren for a while we went to the same school we could talk about our lives and solve our problems by talking to each other we worked together she was a good boss never had any problems at work .I will miss her .She is with God now and is at peace now and with her dad."
"Denise was a very special person. Always ready to jump in and help. Smart, Sweet, and Loyal are the things I loved most about her. Tom & Kids, you will be in my prayers. MJ"
"So very sorry to hear of Denise?s passing. Although I have not seen or spoke with her for a while think of her often and remembering the times when we were young. May god bless her friends and family during this most difficult time. Anna (Crone) Denny"