Cynthia G. Hayes, 90, of Nokomis, died on Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 12 to 2 p.m. at Coalton Baptist Church in Coalton. A funeral service will begin at 2 p.m. with Pastor Justin Hill officiating, and interment will follow at Nokomis Cemetery. A meal will be provided afterward at Coalton Baptist Church.
Mrs. Hayes was born on Feb. 18, 1935, in Poplar Bluff, MO, to the late Emory and Mary (Shelton) McClain. She married Louis W. Hayes on April 29, 1956, at Rosamond Baptist Church and he preceded her in death in 1996. Their union was blessed with two children.
Mrs. Hayes worked in the sales department at the Free Press as well as at other companies, though she most enjoyed being a homemaker. She was an active supporter of the Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Ministry. She loved spending time outdoors riding her bicycle and relaxing on her porch swing. Above all, she cherished every moment spent with her family.
Mrs. Hayes is survived by her son, Brian (Kim) Hayes of Nokomis and daughter, Valerie (Tom) Finks of Taylorville; grandchildren, Crystal (Kevin) Dowdy, Holly (Paul) Cotton, Katie Sleboda, Makenzie Finks, Chase Finks, Makala Finks and Caydon Finks; great-grandchildren, Aliczander Sleboda, Elias Sleboda, Jaelyn Sleboda, Selah Dowdy, Hezekiah Dowdy, Hadessah Cotton, Jace Cotton, Ledger Piers and Radner Piers; her sister, Mary Ann Carroll of Wenonah; as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Emory and Mary McClain; husband, Louis Hayes; brother, John McClain; sister-in-law, Margaret McClain; and her brother-in-law, Leroy Carroll.
Memorials in her honor may be made to Coalton Baptist Church for the Shoebox Ministry. Donations may be sent to Brian Hayes at 525 E. Street, Nokomis, Illinois. Stiehl-Dawson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left online at www.stiehldawsonfh.com.
