Ellen Joy Hawkes

Ellen Joy "Joy" Hawkes passed away peacefully on July 26, 2026, in Nashville, TN, surrounded by loved ones. She had relocated from Louisville four years earlier to be near her son, daughter-in-law, and grandson.

Born and raised in Louisville, KY, Ellen graduated with honors from Male High School in 1965, where she was also a proud member of the cheerleading squad. She went on to earn a master's degree from Wichita State and began her lifelong journey in education. Ellen dedicated her career to the Oldham County School District, becoming the first and only teacher in their Homebound School program, where she provided individualized instruction to children whose illnesses prevented them from attending traditional classrooms.

After retiring, she focused her attention on a new labor of love—renovating an old farm property in Pendleton, KY, and a historic home in Bedford, KY, alongside her late husband, Richard "Dick" Hawkes. Ellen was an avid reader and history enthusiast, with a particular interest in WWII and the Civil War.

She was preceded in death by her husband Air Force Captain Richard "Dick" Hawkes, her parents Lt Colonel Elmer and Maxine Staib, her brothers Air Force Major Donald Lewis "Don" Staib and Air Force Captain Robert Mitchell "Bob" Staib. Ellen is survived by her son Danny Schrecker, daughter-in-law Jenifer Schrecker, and grandson Grayson Schrecker; daughter Shannon Hecht, son-in-law Sam Hecht, and grandson Nicholas Hecht; and stepson Eric Hawkes. Her presence will be missed and remembered always.

Visitation will be held at Arch L. Heady at Resthaven, 4400 Bardstown Road, Louisville, Kentucky 40218, on August 7, 2026, from 11:30 am until the time of the funeral service starting at 1:00 pm.

Burial will be private following services at Resthaven Memorial Park.