Ralph Dennis Hayes

Ralph Dennis Hayes, age 88, of Punta Gorda, Florida passed away on August 26, 2026, at Henry Ford Macomb in Clinton Township, Michigan. Ralph was born at home in Mount Clemens on March 4,1938 to the late Clifton and Geneva (Hagan) Hayes. Ralph attended St. Mary's grade school followed by Boysville of Michigan before serving honorably in the United States Army and then meeting, falling in love and marrying Virginia Elaine Rago on September 5, 1964, in Detroit. They made their home in St. Clair Shores where they raised their four children for over thirty years and were active parishioners at both St. Gertrude and St. Germaine Catholic Churches.

He was a loyal employee for nearly thirty years for Michigan Consolidated Gas Company before retiring and moving to Punta Gorda. Ralph and Ginny built their dream home, were devoted parishioners at Sacred Heart Catholic Church and were "livin' the good life" before returning to Michigan recently to be closer to family. He was a proud member of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and the Knights of Columbus charitable organizations. He enjoyed traveling, gardening, reading, spending time with family and friends and never met a dessert he didn't like!

Ralph is survived by his loving wife of almost 62 years, Virginia E. Hayes and their three adoring children, Lori (Jay VanHulle) Rowe of Fraser, Mary Beth (Michael) Penney of Clarkston, and Stephen (Danielle) Hayes of Evans, Georgia. He was affectionately known as "Grandpa Banana Nose" by his loving grandchildren Lauren (Terrance) Rushing, Shea Penney, Alyssa Hayes, Kendal (Jacob) Petzold, Dylan Comeaux, Taylor (Miguel) Lantigua, Brooke Comeaux, Garrett (Savanna) Hayes, Morgan McVicar; great-grandchildren Lilliana Rowe, Luka Lantigua and Baby Rushing due October 2026. He was also survived by many extended family members and special friends; and was preceded in death by his cherished youngest daughter, Nancy McVicar.

The family will receive visitors at St. Malachy Catholic Church, 14115 E 14 Mile Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48312 at 10:30 am Friday, September 18, 2026; followed by a full Catholic mass at 11 am. Inurnment to immediately follow at Resurrection Cemetery, 18201 Clinton River Road, Clinton Township, Michigan 48038.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his honor to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul or the Knights of Columbus.

Ralph will be remembered for his quirky sense of humor, his strong work ethic, his fondness for going out to breakfast, his generosity, and mostly his love and care for his family.