Eula Mae Hayes

On September 25th 2024, surrounded by family, Jesus welcomed Eula May Hayes into her heavenly home.

Eula was born on May 29, 1935, in Bingham, IL and was the daughter of Ernie and Opal Carter. She married her high school sweetheart, Noel Hayes on February 14th 1954, in Bayle City, IL. This past February they celebrated seventy years of marriage.

In 1957, she and Noel moved to DeKalb. Eula worked at Pine Acres Nursing Home for 15+ years, whereas a CNA she loved caring for the elderly residents.

Eula and Noel enjoyed camping and adventuring through 48 states, exploring the beauty of the country and capturing their journeys in photographs. She always had a disposable camera in hand, documenting not just the landscapes, but the moments of laughter and love. There were many times the grandkids had the opportunity to enjoy their different campers and the local campgrounds alongside of them.

She enjoyed reading and time spent with the grandkids and great-grandkids. Eula had a special love for music boxes, collecting them throughout the years. She loved walks, and enjoyed nature, especially her flowers.

Eula is survived by her husband Noel Hayes, sons Randy (Christy) Hayes of DeKalb, and Ricky (Nút) Hayes of DeKalb/Thailand. Her grandchildren Cassie (Joe) Underwood of Roscoe, IL, Kelsey (Ben) of Sycamore, IL, and Carlie Hayes of Alexandria, VA. Her great grandchildren Hailey, Austin, Bentley (Underwood), Kinley, Dawsyn, Tucker, Briggs (Vogeney), and Tea and Lee (Hayes-Soraknit).

She is also survived by one brother Torney (Patty) Carter of Vandalia, IL and sister in law Loretta Weber of Shelbyville, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents Ernie and Opal Carter, brother Jim Carter, sisters Janice Kirk, and Peggy Edgecombe.

Her gentle spirit, unwavering faith, and infectious smile will forever be remembered. Eula was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She filled our lives with love, laughter, and countless cherished memories.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Faith Baptist Church of DeKalb.

A private family graveside service will take place at a later date at Fairview Cemetery in DeKalb.

Cremation rites and arrangements have been entrusted to Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak Street, DeKalb, IL 60115 (815)-758-3841.