Grace Hayes, 77

Grace (Pamela) Hayes left this earthly world on December 27, 2023. A life-long resident of Gaylord, Grace entered this world 6 weeks early weighing 4 pounds on March 14, 1946 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Flint, Michigan, the daughter of Billie and Larry Hayes of Gaylord. Grace’s life was not with out health challenges, both physical and mental. She was a 17-year breast cancer survivor and never lost her courage and optimistic outlook on life. She was fiercely loyal to family and friends regardless of the circumstances and never lost her child-like wonder of the world around her. She truly was a forgiving person, never holding a grudge or saying an unkind word. Grace graduated from Gaylord High School, Class of 1964. She attended Michigan State University until at 20 years old and the death of their father, she returned home to help her mother and siblings run the family business – Hayes State Park Motel. While she never returned to MSU, her devotion to the Green & White never waivered and continued right up until her passing. Grace was a 30+ year employee of State of Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services (formerly Michigan Dept. of Social Services) retiring in 2001. She was a remarkable, self-taught, sketch artist, photographer, and nature lover. The artistic talents came naturally to her. Pigeon River area was her favorite place for respite, photography, and to appreciate the magic and wonder of Mother Nature’s beauty. This became invaluable when she volunteered as a Girl Scout leader. The greatest highlight of her life was becoming ‘Auntie’ to her adored nieces and nephews. Grace flourished in their company and they in hers’, whether it was camping, playing, babysitting, celebrating holidays, attending their school activities, or most important – just being with them and in their lives. A devoted animal lover Grace adopted several rescues through the Otsego County Animal Shelter. Her pets were her furbabies.

Left to treasure her memory: her brother Norman Hayes and his children: Philip (Erin); Natalie Hayes of Traverse City; Nicole Hayes of Chicago; Sister: Linda (Terry) Wiseley of Cheboygan and her children: Melissa (Kevin) Olds of Traverse City and their daughter Madeline; Christina (Rob Burget) Wishart of Canoga Park, CA; Sister-in-law Connie Hayes of Gaylord and children: Larry L. Hayes and children of Gaylord; Shelly (Fred) Blankenship and children of Gaylord; and David Hayes and children of Tampa FL. Grace is also survived by many cousins; life-long friends; and her beloved furbaby, Rainey.

Welcoming her home: her parents, Larry and Billie Evelyn (Smith) Hayes; brother Larry Charles Hayes; beloved maternal grandparents William and Grace Smith; paternal grandparents as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Please honor Grace’s life-long commitment and love of all animals by considering a contribution in her memory to Friends for Life, Otsego County Animal Shelter (a no-kill shelter). Friends for Life, P O Box 1596, Gaylord MI 49734. As per Grace’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private celebration of her life will take place at a later date.

Arrangements for Grace are under the care of Ray Funeral Services, 305 Rock River Ave., Three Rivers Michigan, 269-278-1515, www.rayfuneralservices.com The family of Grace would like to extend our deepest appreciation to the staff of Edgewood Health & Rehabilitation of Three Rivers for the incredible love, support, and care provided to our beloved sister.