Barbara Ann Hayes

Barbara Ann (Connally) Hayes, of Springfield, died on Monday, June 6, 2016 at St. Joseph’s Home. She was born on November 16, 1934, in Virden, the second daughter of the late Carl Mervin Connally and the late Beulah Jane (Shutt) Connally.

After attending Virden Public Schools, Barbara came to Springfield and became an employee of the State of Illinois, where she worked for almost 50 years, retiring in 2003, having been at that time the office manager of the Illinois Civil Service Commission for 30 years.

In 1971 she married John G. Hayes.

A lifelong advocate for animals, Barbara was a member of the Animal Protective League, serving a term as president in the 1980s. She appreciated music, art, birds and gardens, and was a supporter of the Springfield and Illinois Symphony Orchestras, the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis, and the St. Louis Art Museum. She was a wonderful cook and a gracious hostess.

Barbara is survived by her husband, John; sister, Margaret Ellen (Howard J.) Pelc of Laurel Park, NC; nieces, Kathleen Sue (Ronald) Riesing of Glencoe, IL, and Debra L. Pelc of Laurel Park, NC; nephew, James Howard Pelc of Charlotte, NC; and brother-in-law, Paul G. (Philia) Hayes of Cedarburg, WI.

Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.

Memorial Gathering: Family will receive friends from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 22, 2016 at Boardman-Smith Funeral Home, 800 South Grand Avenue West, Springfield. At Barbara’s request, there will not be a service or ceremony.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Rd., Springfield, IL 62702, the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, 524 ½ East Capitol Avenue, Springfield, IL 62701, or St. Joseph’s Home, 3306 South Sixth Street Road, Springfield, IL 62703.