Cynthia G. Hayes

Cynthia G. Hayes, 90, of Nokomis, IL, passed away on November 30, 2025. She was born on February 18, 1935, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, to the late Emory and Mary (Shelton) McClain. Cynthia married Louis W. Hayes on April 29, 1956, at Rosamond Baptist Church; he preceded her in death in 1996. Their union was blessed with two children.

Cynthia worked in the sales department at the Free Press as well as at other companies, though she most enjoyed being a homemaker. She was an active supporter of the Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Ministry. She loved spending time outdoors riding her bicycle and relaxing on her porch swing. Above all, she cherished every moment spent with her family.

She is survived by her son, Brian (Kim) Hayes of Nokomis, IL; her daughter, Valerie (Tom) Finks of Taylorville, IL; and her grandchildren: Crystal (Kevin) Dowdy; Holly (Paul) Cotton; Katie Sleboda; Makenzie Finks; Chase Finks; Makala Finks; and Caydon Finks. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren: Aliczander Sleboda, Elias Sleboda, Jaelyn Sleboda, Selah Dowdy, Hezekiah Dowdy, Hadessah Cotton, Jace Cotton, Ledger Piers, and Radner Piers; and by her sister, Mary Ann Carroll of Wenonah, IL; as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Emory and Mary McClain; her husband, Louis Hayes; her brother, John McClain; her sister-in-law, Margaret McClain; and her brother-in-law, Leroy Carroll.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 12:00–2:00 p.m. at Coalton Baptist Church in Coalton, IL. A funeral service will begin at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Justin Hill officiating, and interment will follow at Nokomis Cemetery. A meal will be provided afterward at Coalton Baptist Church.

Memorials in her honor may be made to Coalton Baptist Church for the Shoebox Ministry. Donations may be sent to Brian Hayes at 525 East Street, Nokomis, Illinois.

Stiehl-Dawson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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