Patricia Hayes

Patricia Hayes died peacefully Monday, March 26, after living with Alzheimer’s Disease for more than 12 years. Patricia Margaret Stiff was born 12/12/33 in Olney IL to Alice (Oathout) Stiff & Elbert Hoover Stiff. She graduated third in her class from Glenbard West High School in Glen Ellyn, IL. She earned a BS in Dietary Science from Iowa State University in 1955, and married James T. Hayes, Jr. in 1954. They raised their family in Ames and then in Urbandale. She loved to cook, bake, and enjoyed eating and cooking many international cuisines. Later in life, she and Jim were Wednesday night regulars at The Waterfront. Pat & Jim would ride their tandem recumbent trike to several area coffee shops to enjoy their daily mocha. Pat was a very busy wife and mother. She was active in UMW/Circle first at Aldersgate UMC, later at Grace UMC. She was Girl Scout leader for several years. She was active in, and at various times president and/or newsletter editor of: 99’s (women in aviation), Zonta (business & professional women), Experimental Aircraft Association, Antique Aircraft Association, Beyond War, Friendship Force, the Sister City/Sister State program, and refugee resettlement through the Iowa Bureau of Refugee Services. Pat and Jim practiced and preached radical hospitality. Pat & Jim enjoyed expanding their view of the world, traveling in China, France (a biking trip), Germany, Hungary, Italy, Belgium, The Netherlands, Luxembourg, England, Scotland, New Orleans, and throughout the US. They enjoyed volunteering at Living History Farms, Dad in the Cabinet Shop & Blacksmith Shop, Mom in the General Store. Pat enjoyed sewing, knitting, weaving, cooking, baking, and passed her love of creating on to her children. She loved her flower gardens; and enjoyed the harvest from her vegetable garden. She loved music, supported musicians, Des Moines Metro Opera in particular. She had a keen ear and could hum along accurately with almost anything she heard on the radio, whether she knew the music or not. At various times in her life, Pat cared for her mother-in-law, her own mother, and then her father. She set an example for us on how to treat people, how to be patient, how to be a good human being. Pat is survived by her sister Joan Stiff Alexander, children Diane Hayes (Tom Creviston) , Judy Cosimini (Tony Cosimini), Jeff Hayes (Susan Crowley); grandchildren Sarah Creviston Lee, David Rugger, James Cosimini, Michael Crowley, Jessica Hayes, Anna Cosimini, Sarah Hayes, Zachary Creviston, nieces Nancy Barnett, Kathy Barnett, and great-grandchildren Tommy Lee, Mairi Lee, & Archie Lee. She was preceded in death by her husband Jim, and daughter-in-law, Connie Darling Hayes A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, April 2, 2018 at Grace United Methodist Church in Des Moines. A visitation will begin at 9:30 AM at the church. Memorial contributions may be directed to Grace United Methodist Church or Des Moines Metro Opera.