Sandra L. Hayes

Sandra Lee Hayes, of Wichita, KS, passed away on January 25th, 2024, after a lengthy and courageous battle with NMO. She was 75 years old. Sandra was born on March 25th, 1948, to parents Anna and Harry L. Jones in Jeffersonville, IN. Sandy spent her youth in Louisville, KY and always considered that her home.

In 1967 Bill and Sandy met. They wed in 1970, and moved to Wichita, KS where she spent the remainder of her life. Sandy and Bill enjoyed the early days of marriage before welcoming Rene and Erik into their lives. When Sandy had Rene, she decided to dedicate her life to being a a full-time mom. She was a fantastic mother and wife. Sandy excelled at encouraging Bill, and their two children: Rene, & Erik. Her encouragement and support never wavered. Sandy always made it her mission to improve the lives of her family and friends.

Besides taking care of her own children, Sandy drove a special education school bus in Wichita for 10 years. She loved all of her kids.

Sandy lived life to the fullest and never had idle hands. She had many hobbies that kept her busy up until she passed. She loved ceramics and had an entire ceramics studio in the house where she created and painted during the night after everyone was asleep. She sold ceramics all over the state at various arts & craft fairs. She also had a life-long passion for photography. Sandy was a photographer for the Wichita Wings and was the official “button lady” who produced player pins for years. Her love for photography grew and, with the help of her best friend, began a business of taking senior and wedding photos.

Sandy passionately believed in helping others in need and dedicated many years to the American Red Cross. With Bill, she volunteered providing disaster relief services which involved helping local Kansans during fires and floods. She also assisted with several national disasters which took her all over the United States. During her time with the American Red Cross her empathy and bright smile were a magnet to those in need and she developed many friendships along the way. She was also an amateur Ham radio operator – KB0SGI - assisting in many parades, runs & walks,

Sandy also thoroughly loved Geocaching. Kiddiekardriver travelled all over the U.S. finding hidden caches and especially loved the creative and challenging searches. She joined the local geocaching group and had immense fun with the local cachers. Getting the FTF (first to find) was a particular joy! She travelled to many national meetings and loved to trade her pathtags with her new found friends far and wide. She even taught the nuances of geocaching to several groups. She moved on to Munzees after her knee surgery made it difficult to walk. This new hobby continued to bring her joy.

Sandy loved the Wichita Thunder and was a season ticket holder for several years. She also developed friendships because of her love of smashed pennies, all things Disney, and especially Elvis Presley.

Sandy was predeceased by her parents Anna and Harry, and her step-father, Bob. She is survived by her husband, Bill; her children, Rene & Erik; her brother, Harry; and her sister, Terri; as well as several step- brothers and step-sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to the Guthy-Jackson foundation (https://guthyjacksonfoundation.org/donate/) in Sandra Hayes’ name. There will be a funeral service at Resthaven Mortuary on February 2nd, 2024, at 1:00pm with a 1 hour viewing before.

Following the service and burial, there will be a reception at Central Community Church, 6100 W. Maple, Wichita, Kansas, in the K Chapel. Light refreshments will be served.