Joyce (Flory) Hayes, 83, passed away January 26, 2018 in Little River, KS. She was born September 1, 1934 in North English, Iowa to Glen and Esther (Carter) Flory. She was baptized in early adolescence at the South English Church of the Brethren, South English, IA. Joyce graduated as valedictorian from Tipton High School in Tipton, IA, and graduated summa cum laude from McPherson College, McPherson, KS. Joyce taught school at Country School Union 2, North of Lyons, and then was a para-professional for the Rice County Special Education Co-op. She was a member of the Little River United Methodist Church, U.M.W., KPERS, Piecemakers Quilt Guild, Harmony Circle, Busy Homemakers EHU, Webster Birthday Club and also was a 4-H leader, homemaker and taught the Menninger Bible Study class for a number of years. Joyce was particularly known for her love of reading and learning, her quilting and other handwork and her bread making skills.
On August 11, 1957 she married Delbert Hayes in McPherson. He survives along with their son, Michael (Kristine Hopkins) Hayes of Colorado Springs, CO and daughter, Charlotte (Stan) Loewen of Mountain Lake, MN; sisters; Phyllis Lenschow of West Branch, IA and Elaine Fleenor of McPherson, KS, two grandchildren; Thad Hayes and Annie Hayes, sister-in-law, Cuba Flory of Tipton, IA and brother-in-law, Charles (Barbara) Fischer of Chesterfield, VA. She was preceded in death by her brothers; Edwin and Elmer, sisters; Christina Fischer and Alice Hornbacker.
A Celebration of Life will be, 2:00 p.m., January 30, 2018 at the Little River Methodist Church. Visitation will be held Monday, 3-7:00 p.m. at Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons, with the family receiving friends from 5-7:00 p.m.
Memorials may be given to Sandstone Heights, Little River or Little River United Methodist Church, c/o Birzer Funeral Home, 214 West Ave. South, Lyons, KS 67554.