WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Cathy Jo Hayes, age 68, of Sturgis, passed away early Tuesday morning, June 25, 2024, at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo.
She was born July 27, 1955 in Logansport, Indiana, the daughter of Andy and Barbara J. (Secrest) Ammerman.
Cathy Jo resided most of her life in Sturgis and was a graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 1973 where she had many great times playing in the band.
On February 20, 1988, she married Timothy John Hayes at the First Presbyterian Church in Sturgis. He preceded her in death October 13, 2005.
Cathy retired from Century Bank & Trust in Sturgis following 37 years of dedicated employment. Following her retirement, she accepted an office position with Precision Speed in Sturgis, working another 10 years when she retired for good.
For many years she played in the Sturgis Wind Symphony and was a member of the Girls Night Out Group, fellow classmates who get together once a month for dinner. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting and sewing. Cathy was an avid faithful fan of all University of Michigan Sports, especially football and basketball. Her greatest joy in life was times surrounded by her family.
Cathy is survived by her children: Sherri (Jamie) Crites of Sturgis, Scott (Lea) Garbine of Palm Springs, California and Timothy (Erin) Garbine of Sturgis; grandchildren: Benjamin (Jamie), Elizabeth, Rebecca, James, Jaden, Emma, Hannah, Logan and Liam; great grandson: McCoy; sister: Merri Ann Lincoln of Sturgis; brothers: James (Brenda) Lincoln of Sturgis, Darrin (Joyce) Ammerman of Fort Wayne, Indiana and Frederick Ammerman of Three Rivers; special friends: Andy and Robin Schuler of Burr Oak and Tom and Mary McLauchlin of Sturgis and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and infant brother: Dennis Ammerman.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. Friday, June 28th at the Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 114 S. Nottawa St. in Sturgis. Funeral services celebrating the life of Cathy Jo Hayes will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, June 29th at the First United Methodist Church in Sturgis. The Rev. Sue Babb will officiate. A graveside committal will follow the service at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Cathy’s memory consider the Sturgis Wind Symphony, P.O. Box 164, Sturgis, MI 49091.
We encourage relatives and friends to leave memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
