Denise June Davis Hayes

Denise June Davis Hayes, 62, of Yates City IL, passed away in the early morning of December 31, 2021, at her home with the love of her life, her husband, Tom, by her side. She was born on November 2, 1959, in Peoria, IL. She was the daughter of Roger and Janet (Lishman) Davis of Yates City. She married Tom Hayes on April 23, 1977, at the United Methodist Church of Farmington, IL. He survives. Denise is also survived by her mother, Janet; her sisters, Tammy (Joe) Brokaw of Monmouth, Connie (Russell) Krans of LaFayette, and Christine (Joel) Clark of Sherwood Wisconsin; her brother, Ronald (Kari) Davis of Elmwood; her daughter, Stephanie Hayes of Bushnell, IL; her son, Andrew Hayes of Bushnell, IL; her grandson, Jason Hahn of Yates City; her granddaughter, Alyxandria (Bailey) Sturgis of Monmouth; her great- grandson, Aeric Sturgis; and many uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her father and grandparents.

Denise was a 1977 graduate of Yates City High School where she was active in chorus, drama, and pompons. She worked as a Waitress at the Packinghouse Dining Company in Galesburg while attending Carl Sandburg College During the 1980's, after which she worked as the office manager for Zelmer's Dinner Theater in Farmington. She then worked as assistant to the director of tourism for the Peoria Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. She also worked part-time as the Secretary of the Elmwood United Methodist Church. She was best known as the Librarian for the Salem Township Library, a job she loved for over 16 years, and only retired when her health would no longer allow it. It was her great passion to organize activities, and programs for the young and old as well. She wanted everyone to feel welcome, and to love the Library as much as she did.
Denise was an avid reader, finishing one book after another, and would always give helpful reviews of these books to anyone who would ask her about them. She loved to suggest books to patrons of the library. Her personal favorites were "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott, "The Killer Angels" by Michael Shaara, and "Gone With the Wind" by Margaret Mitchell. She gravitated toward historical novels, but would read any type of book she found of interest.
Denise loved her family very much, and was a wonderful Mother and Grandmother. She was a master at knitting, crocheting, and cross-stitch, and delighted at making gifts such as quilts, afghans, and cross-stitch art for her children, grandkids, family, and friends.
She loved playing Scrabble with her sister, Chris, and anyone else who could present a challenge to her at the game, although there were few.
Denise was a Christian Woman who loved Jesus, and an active member of the Elmwood United Methodist Church, where she enjoyed attending services as well as bible studies, helped with food pantry, and Sunday School, as well as other activities. She also helped organize Vacation Bible School every Summer for many years.
She loved to travel with her husband Tom, and together they enjoyed many wonderful trips all over the United States during their 44 years of marriage. She loved the mountains and caves, and they made sure to visit them whenever possible. The two also enjoyed old movies, "Casablanca" being their favorite. She loved the theatre, trivia games, "Jeopardy!" and cheering on her beloved Chicago Cubs, who won the World Series on her birthday in 2016. She had a wonderful happy life, and was blessed with many good friends, a loving husband, and a terrific family, all of whom loved her very, very much.
Cremation rites have been accorded. There will be a visitation from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., on Saturday, January 8, 2022, at the Elmwood United Methodist Church followed by a funeral service at 11:30 a.m., at the church. Lunch will be served in the fellowship hall, directly after the service. Burial will be at a later date.
Memorials may be made to the Salem Township Library or the Elmwood United Methodist Church.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com

Oaks Hines Funeral Home in Elmwood is in charge of arrangements.