Mary Elizabeth Hayes, 85, of Sedalia, died Saturday, September 14, 2013 at Bothwell Regional Health Center.

She was born September 26, 1927, in Pettis County, a daughter of the late George and Rethel Marie (Thomas) McNew. On August 24, 1947, in Pettis County, she was married to Elwood Phillip Hayes, who preceded her in death on May 27, 2005.

She worked at Lamy’s, retiring after 30 years. She then received her GED, received her Certified Medical Technician certification from State Fair Community College and worked at Stoney Ridge Village for 27 years until her retirement in 2009. She was an active member of Memorial Baptist Church where she was previously a leader of the Girl’s Auxiliary and taught Vacation Bible School for many years. She enjoyed crocheting and quilting. She loved her grandchildren.

She is survived by two daughters, Sharon Hanrahan and Pam Tull; and two sisters, Louella Hauser and Evelyn Dumsday, all of Sedalia; four grandchildren, Sherlynn Phillips, of Centerview, Arlena (Yvonne) Miller, of Columbia, Kevin Hayes and Robert Brown, both of Sedalia; 14 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by three siblings, Otis McNew, James Pirtle and Velma Pilkenton; and two sons-in-law, Lawson Hanrahan and Randy Tull.

Funeral services will be 10 am, Friday, September 20, 2013, at Memorial Baptist Church in northeastern Pettis County with Pastor Bill McDowell officiating. Pallbearers will be Robert Brown, Kevin Hayes, Ryan Newland, Devin Hughes, Grant Newton and John Dumsday. Honorary pallbearer will be SSgt. Scott Phillips. Burial will follow in Union Cemetery.

The family will receive friends 6:30-8:00 pm, Thursday, at McLaughlin Funeral Chapel.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Memorial Baptist Church or the Dialysis Clinic in care of McLaughlin Funeral Chapel. Condolences may be offered online at mclaughlinfuneralchapel.com.

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