Connie R. Hayes

Connie (Kier) Hayes passed away peacefully into the arms of her loving Savior, on July 26, 2024 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Connie was born to Byron and Arlie Kier in Maryville, MO on July 13, 1939.  Her first childhood home was in Grant City, Missouri. At the age of 4 Mom moved to Newton, Iowa and then on to Fort Dodge, Iowa when she was 14 years of age.  Minnesota became home when she married Russell Hayes which brought their blended family to Stewartville over 40 years ago. Highlights include hosting lots of holidays and special events including the front row seat to the 4th of July parade.Her life was a living testimony to her faith in Jesus Christ.  She lived by example, serving and loving others.

As well as a homemaker, she worked for a number of businesses including AmericInn Motel, Boyum’s Foods, Curves, and Home Sweet Home.  She also volunteered for many years at Mayo Clinic and her church.  Especially dear to her heart was the mentorship she provided in the Awana’s Children’s Ministry, bible study and prayer groups. Socially, she enjoyed her weekly time with “the Cabin Coffee crew”.

Connie was a loving, dedicated wife to Russell for 46 years, a devoted mom to (Late) Jeffrey (Debra Kemp) Eaton, Kristi (Roger) Knutson of Dorchester, IA, SueAnne (Doyle) Johnson of Owatonna, Greg (Janelle) Eaton of Eyota,  Ryan (Bridget) Hayes of Owatonna, step-mom to John (Jimanne) Hayes of Marina, CA,  Jeff (Tish) Hayes of Des Moines, and Betsy (Dao Nguyen) Hayes of Coon Rapids.  Connie was a proud Grandma to Megan, Hammie, Cody, Jacob, Carly, Derek, Drew, Mya, Kyle, Grady, Ella, Addy, Sam, Sarah, Shayne, Riley, Andrew, and Belle. Additionally, she has great-grandchildren Kaylee, Mason, Tate, Mikaela, Max, Owen, Emma, Sawyer, Hadley, Bryson, Nora, Drake, Manny, Amelia, Stella and Brecklynn. She is survived by her brother Jack, her church family, many nieces and nephews and her special naughty cat, Ollie. She was preceded in death by her parents Byron and Arlie, beloved son, Jeff, siblings Betty Illingworth and Don Kier.

Funeral services will also be at Grace Evangelical Church on Wednesday July 31st at 11:00 am followed by a luncheon.  Burial will take place at Woodlawn cemetery in Stewartville. A time of visitation for family and friends will be at Grace Evangelical Free Church in Stewartville on Tuesday July 30th from 5pm to 7pm as well as 1 hour before funeral service.  The funeral service will be streamed on the Grace Church website that morning.  Memorials may be directed to the Awana Children’s Ministry at Grace Evangelical Free Church. Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray Funeral Home in Stewartville. Condolences and memories of Connie are welcome at www.griffin-gray.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Connie R. Hayes, please visit our floral store.