Genevieve M. Hayes

Genevieve Miriam Hayes of South Sioux City, NE, longtime resident of Perry, Iowa died Friday, June 20, 2014 at a South Sioux City care center. Genevieve Miriam Hayes (Jimmy) was born November 4, 1926, in Webb, Iowa, and grew up on the family farm in Churdan, Iowa. She graduated from Churdan High School and went to work in Des Moines, Iowa for Allied Insurance Company. During her summers of high school, she joined her sisters in Chicago and worked at a defense plant, a true “Rosie the Riveter.” She married Robert Hayes in 1947 and spent the next 30 years taking care of their home, raising their children, and serving the Perry community through various volunteer efforts including PTA, Sunday school teacher, church choir member, Beautification of Perry, and helping with Perry’s Sentimental Journeys. She enjoyed various bridge clubs and attending her children’s activities. She was a member of First United Methodist Church of Perry and a loyal sister of PEO. Of all her interests, golf was by far her most favorite. She spent countless hours at the Perry Country Club not only golfing, but enjoying time with her children and grandchildren at its pool. She generously donated money to build their new pool that many continue to enjoy. “Grandma Gen” will be remembered for her passion of letter writing, being a great neighbor and friend, and especially her strength and determination through adversities. She is survived by her son David (Susan) Hayes of Bentonville, AR, daughter Patti (Steve) Boyle of South Sioux City, NE, her six grandchildren Cindy (Kent) Peterson, Matt (Stephanie) Hayes, Allison Hayes, Andy Boyle, Ashley (Bas) Hayes, Morgan (Cory) Shipman; and three great-grandchildren Olivia, Ellie, and Alex, and her foreign exchange exchange student and family Chris and Ria Dunlop and children Leigh and Tim.   Preceeding Genevieve in death were her parents, her teenage son Michael, her brother Harold Youngblood, and sisters Velma Bertillotti and Mabel Wika. A South Sioux City Memorial Service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in South Sioux City at 7:00pm Thursday, June 26, 2014 with visitation with family at 6:00pm. There will also be Genevieve’s hometown service in Perry, Iowa Saturday, June 28 with plans still pending. Memorials may be made to family, proceeds yet to be determined.