Rozella May Hayes

Rozella May Hayes, 95, passed away peacefully with her son, Rick, by her side on May 18th, 2018 at 8:45 p.m. She now has a beautiful set of golden wings and is free with eternal peace. Rozella was born December 9th, 1922 to the late Thomas and Flossie (Goodnight) Rood in Kirkland, Indiana. She graduated from Sugar Creek High School in Pickard, Indiana. Rozella then graduated from Cosmetology School and went on to be a beautician. In 1940, she went to welding school, then in 1991, she attended UAW leadership training institute at Indiana University Bloomington. IN 1940, she married Tom Cutler, they divorced in 1947. Tom and Rozella had a son, Denny Cutler. He passed away July 15th, 1987. Rozella then married the love of her life, a police officer, Doyle Hayes, on February 6th, 1954 in Florida. The couple honeymooned in Cuba where they saw Nat King Cole at the Copacabana. They were forced to leave because Castro took over. Doyle and Rozella were some of the last Americans to leave Cuba. Doyle and Rozella had a son, Ricky L. Hayes, born September 30, 1958. Doyle and Rozella bought a little pub at the corner of Markland and Main Street in Kokomo. They decided to name it " The Corner Pub" after a pub Doyle visited in England while in the military. Later, they opened a classy nightclub, "Doyle's Crest Club," also in Kokomo. Rozella worked many jobs in her lifetime. In 1940, she worked at Glove Stove Co., Delco, then went to Chrysler Corporation in 1944, later taking a leave. In 1966, she went to work at Sharpsville High School in the cafeteria, then on to Howard Johnson's where she and Doyle started the cocktail bar in Kokomo. Rozella went to work at the Eagles Lodge, where Doyle was the Secretary. In 1972, Rozella returned to Chrysler Corporation, retiring January 31st, 1983 at the age of 60. Doyle passed away on March 23rd, 1984 after 30 amazing years together with Rozella. Rozella was secretary of UAW 685 retirees for 20 years. She was a life member of the VFW, American Legion for 55 years, the Eagles for 42 years, Zeta Chapter Tri Chi Sorority for 36 years, Sharpsville Home Eck Club, Hobby Club, and the Moose Lodge. She was the oldest member of Beulah Land Church, where she was also a longtime member of the Widows Club. Rozella was also a member of the Methodist Church. Both churches are located in Sharpsville, Indiana, where she lived for many years. In 1991, Rozella and her son, Rick, purchased a lighted clock that was put in Sharpsville park in memory of Rozella's son and Rick's brother, Denny Cutler. In Rozella's life, she has went through a depression, getting electricity in homes, natural gas, inside running water, saw black and white television, and saw color televisions come in. She has seen 17 Presidents come and go. When she was born, the President was William G. Harding from 1921 to 1923. Rozella is survived by her son, Ricky L. Hayes, stepson Edward (Sharon) Hayes, and stepdaughter Margaret "Peggy" (Michael) Spence; grandchildren Michelle Butts Brewer, Greg Butts, Ann Marie (Ron) Mickelson, and Jason (Shannon) Butts; 11 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren, with one on the way; many nieces and nephews, and friends. Rozella is preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Flossie Rood; husband Doyle Hayes; son Denny Cutler; 6 brothers Lowell, Lester, Doris, Bobby, Russell, and Donald; 2 sisters Hazel Brankle and Mary Groves; and grandson Mark Brewer. Rozella is the last of 9 children. Rozella has touched the lives of many people and made a lot of friends along the way. Her wit and sharpness carried on throughout her life until the very end. Memorial contributions can be directed to the IU Nurse's Scholarship for Tri Chi Sorority in memory of Rozella, which can be sent to the mortuary. Rozella's friends and family are welcome to come together for a time of visitation from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM on Tuesday, May 22nd at Ellers Mortuary Main Street Chapel, with a celebration of life service following at 1:30 PM. The reverend Paul Sutherland will officiate. After the service, we will lay Rozella to rest at Sunset Memory Gardens Mausoleum. We know Rozella Hayes will shine as never before in Heaven. It has been our joy to know and admire her for all of her 95 years.