Steward

Lois Evelyn Hayes, 90, passed away Sunday, September 4, 2022 at Liberty Village in Rochelle, Illinois. Lois was born on June 17, 1932, the daughter of Harland and Evelyn (Aurand) Strawbridge in St. Paul, MN. On June 20, 1970, she married Michael Edward Hayes in Steward. He preceded her in death in 1991.

Lois was the head nurse in the obstetrics department at the Rochelle Community Hospital for almost 42 years. She loved spending time at the Rock River with her husband, Mickey, traveling with her nurse friends all over the country after Mickey's passing and spending all the time she could with her many wonderful nieces and nephews. She enjoyed baking and bird watching and was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs.

She was a long time member of the Steward United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She was the 1977 March of Dimes Nurse of the Year for the state of Illinois.

Lois is survived by two sisters: Kay Tripp and Janet Hayes Stocking; 13 nieces and nephews: Philip (Karen) Hayes, Thad Hayes, David (Cherie) Hayes, Nancy (John) Conley, Matt (Rebekah) Hayes, Sherri (Frank) Myers, Susan (Dan) Johnson, Brian (Shawn) Strawbridge, Laura (Jarvis) Butler, Neil Jr. (Pat) Strawbridge, Craig (Nadine) Strawbridge, Sandra (Michael) Shoemaker and James (Cynthia) Tripp; numerous great nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Lois was predeceased by three brothers: Neil Strawbridge in 2003, Gary Strawbridge in 1996 and infant brother, James Strawbridge in 1939; and two sisters: Phyllis Strawbridge in 1950 and Sandra Strawbridge in 1952.

The visitation will be from 5:00 - 7:00 P.M., Thursday, September 8, 2022 at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th St., Rochelle. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 A.M., Friday, September 9 at Steward United Methodist Church, 507 Main Street, Steward with Pastor Ilhan You officiating. Burial will follow the service at Steward Cemetery in Steward. Memorials may be made in Lois's memory to the Steward United Methodist Church. Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.