Nancy Lou Hayes

May 16, 1950 – October 15, 2026

Nancy Lou (Aerts) Hayes was born on May 16, 1950, in Muncie, Indiana, to the late Louis J. Aerts and Phyllis (McCune) Aerts.

Nancy was a woman of kindness, generosity, and unwavering love for her family. She had a giving heart, a beautiful smile that could brighten any room, and unforgettable eyes that reflected the beauty of the sea after a storm.

Nancy found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She was an avid reader who loved getting lost in the pages of a good book. She enjoyed watching sports, spending time reading her Bible, and settling in to watch her favorite Westerns. Her faith was an important part of her life, and her love for her family was at the center of everything she did.

Above all, Nancy treasured her family. She leaves behind a legacy of love through the many generations blessed to call her wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Nancy is survived by her husband, Paul Hayes Jr., of Geneva, Alabama; her three children, Paul Hayes III( Renee) Paula Friedrich (Eric), and Phyllis Patterson (Andre); and her sister, Heather Aerts.

She was a beloved grandmother to Lamont Lankford (Jessica), Paul Hayes IV (Amy), Veronica Hayes (Thavahn) , Jory Friedrich (Terry), Jacob Friedrich, Stone Lee, and Story Lee.

Nancy was also blessed with eight great-grandchildren: Brycen, Dalis, Myles, Ezra, Xander, Vienna, Aiden, and Opal. Each represented another beautiful chapter in the family’s story and the legacy she leaves behind.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Louis J. Aerts and Phyllis Alberta (Bond) McCune, and her sister, Billy Sue Henkel.

Nancy will be remembered not only for the life she lived but for the love she gave so freely. Her kindness, generosity, faith, and devotion to those she loved will remain part of her family’s story for generations to come.

Though her presence will be deeply missed, her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Private service will be held.

Arrangements entrusted to D.O. McComb and Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home 1140 Lake Ave. Fort Wayne, IN 46805