Clara J. Hayes

Clara J. Hayes, 91, of Springfield, died at 8:32 a.m., Saturday, October 1, 2005 at St. Joseph’s Home. Clara was born on January 1, 1914 in Springfield the daughter of John and Bertha Koehl Donelan. She married Lt. Col. Howard A. Hayes in 1941 in Springfield; he was declared missing in action (MIA) during the Korean War in December 1952. Mrs. Hayes graduated from Sacred Heart Academy and Springfield College in Illinois and received her Bachelor Degree in Social Work from Loyola University in Chicago. She worked as a social worker in Chicago and later became a teachers aid for District 186. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Joseph Corterie and St. Louise de Marillac Guild. She was also preceded in death by her parents; three sisters: Mary Donelan, Helen Donelan and Loretta Maher and one brother John J. Donelan DDS. She is survived by five sons: John (wife, Neva) of CO, Timothy (wife, Felicia) of Atlanta, GA, David of Denver, CO, Howard (wife, Barbara) of Lewiston, ID, Dennis (wife, Linda) Hayes of Springfield; one daughter: Ellen (husband, Roger) Kumle of Springfield; thirteen grandchildren; four great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Family will receive friends from 5-8:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 4, 2005 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 5:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 5, 2005 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1345 N. 6th St. Springfield with Rev. Msgr. Thomas P. Holinga celebrant. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph’s Home, 3306 S. 6th St. Rd., Springfield, IL 62703 or Brother James Court, 2508 St. James Rd., Springfield, IL 62707. The family of Clara J. Hayes is being served by Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield.