Virginia E., nee Thomas, Hayes; 84, of New Athens, IL; born September 1, 1927 in St. Louis, MO; passed away on Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at the Freeburg Care Center in Freeburg, IL.

Mrs. Hayes attended Southeast Missouri State College in Cape Girado, MO after which she became an elementary school teacher. She attended St. John United Church of Christ in New Athens, IL.

She is preceded in death by her parents Ernest and Josie, nee Butts, Thomas. 1 brother and 1 sister.

She is survived by her husband George Hayes whom she married on May 11, 1946 in Poplar Bluff, MO. 2 daughters – Diane (William) Lacey of St. Louis, MO; Mary Limauro of Andover, MA. 3 grandchildren – Kelly (James) Edwards of Webster Groves, MO; Capt. John (Brittany) Limauro of Fort Carson, CO; Mark Limauro of Andover, MA. 3 great-grandchildren – Abigail; Hayley; James Jr. 3 sisters – Audrey Hargrove of Okawville, IL; Doris Smith of New Athens, IL; Elois Carpening of Lancaster, CA.

Visitation: Friends may call at Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, IL on Thursday, December 15, 2011 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm and at St. John United Church of Christ in New Athens, IL on Friday, December 16, 2011 from 9:00am to 10:00am.

Funeral: Services will be held at St. John United Church of Christ in New Athens, IL on Friday, December 16, 2011 at 10:00am with Dr. Rev. Robert Koch officiating.

Interment: Burial will be held at the Oakridge Cemetery in New Athens, IL.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers memorials to Family Hospice or the Donor’s Choice.

Heil-Schuessler Funeral Homes in New Athens, IL is in charge of arrangements.