Martha Diane Hayes, age 78, passed away peacefully in her home on January 10, 2023. She was born in 1944 in Auburn, Indiana to Richard and Mary Louise Scott. Martha went on to attend Purdue University and marry her high school sweetheart, Michael Hayes. The two were married until the time of his death, 49 years later. They lived in Arizona and Pennsylvania, among other places, as a result of Michael’s U.S. Army assignments. When their three children, Melissa, Matthew, and Megan, reached school age, they settled in Richmond, Indiana, where she lived the rest of life.
In Richmond, Martha was a dedicated advocate for older adults through her social work roles and was an active member of the community, especially through Central United Methodist Church. Her care for others was always on display and she never met a stranger; her kindness was an example for us all.
She had many friends and together they hosted the church’s annual Craft Bazaar for decades. She loved to craft, sew, quilt, read, paint, and garden. Her children were influenced by her creative eye. She avidly collected gourds and her kitchen is a living testament to her love of chickens. If you need any gourds or chickens, come on by.
She was a dedicated wife, sister, mother, and grandmother, and friend to many. After retirement Martha traveled extensively with family and friends to many interesting places including China, Alaska, Hawaii, and the beaches of North Carolina.
She is survived by her sister, Nancy Brown (Martin,) sister-in-law Leslie Koehler, daughter Melissa (Bryan,) son Matthew (Kate,) and daughter Megan (Andrew) as well as seven grandchildren: Hannah and Emma Crail, Josie and Eli Hayes, and Avery, Adler, and Michael Larson. She was preceded in death by her husband Michael, brother Rich, and her parents.
A calling will take place on Saturday, January 14th from 11am-2pm at Central United Methodist Church, with a funeral service to immediately follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Martha’s honor to Communities and Schools @ www.ciswayneco.org or in care of Kathy Black @ 33 South 7th St. Richmond, Indiana 47374.
Condolences may be sent to the family via the tribute wall at www.rigglewaltermann.com