Joella Hayes

JoElla Hayes, 86, passed away on January 30, 2023, after a long journey with Alzheimer’s disease. JoElla was born August 5, 1936 to Winona (Holler) Harrison and Jewell Harrison, the eldest of five children. Her childhood was spent in Hays, Kansas, growing up on the Ft. Hays State Experiment station where her father worked. After graduating from Hays High School, she moved to Topeka to gain her degree in nursing from Stormont Vail School of Nursing. While in Topeka, she met her husband, Dale Hayes and they recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. After graduation and getting married, Dale and JoElla lived in Topeka, Manhattan, Salina, and San Antonio before settling in Wichita.

Finding great pleasure in her career as an RN, Jo, spent many years working at Riverside Hospital in Wichita and finally retiring from the Wesley Rehab Hospital. She also enjoyed volunteering with the United Methodist Open Door ministries and helping with many church functions at the Goddard First United Methodist Church.

Jo is survived by her husband: Dale Hayes; son: Kevin (Chari) Hayes, daughter: Kelly Hayes, granddaughters: Kara Hayes and Konner Hayes, and great grandchildren: Braxton and Olivia. She is also survived by brothers: Jack Harrison and Richard Harrison, and sister Kathy Trinder. Visits from her great children brought her great joy in her later years and even as the Alzheimer's related dementia took over her memories, she always recalled the year she spent picking up Braxton from preschool, fixing him lunch, taking him to the library or out for donuts as one of her greatest joys.

A Memorial Service will be held Friday, February 10, 2023 at 2:00 pm at The Goddard Church, 300 N. Cedar, Goddard, KS.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations in Jo’s memory to either the United Methodist Open Door ministry or The Goddard Church where it will be used for their food pantry and clothing ministries for families in need. Memorials sent by mail can be sent to The Goddard Church, PO Box 247, Goddard, KS 67052.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ResthavenMortuary-Cemetery.com for the Hayes family.