SPRINGFIELD, IL – Mary Lou Hayes, 85, passed away Wednesday, December 23, 2020, at Country Lane Memory Care.

She was born February 21, 1935, to Keith and Bessie (Schisler) Long. She married Thomas Hayes in 1974. She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; brothers, Charles, Harold, Eugene and John; and sister, Lois.

Mary Lou retired from Franklin Life in 1990 after 37 years of service. She bowled competitively for years and was State Champions in her league one year. She enjoyed playing cards with her friends. She was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan (very knowledgeable about players and stats) and followed Illini basketball each season. She volunteered at Memorial Medical Center for over 20 years and at Lewis Memorial Christian Village for 15 years. She was a member of West Side Christian Church.

She is survived by her twin nephews, Tom and Tim; niece, Carol Ann; and those she loved so dearly most of her life, her Illinois family, Joyce and John, daughters, Barb, Janet, Michelle and their families. Few people have had such good friends.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, May 20, 2021, at Camp Butler National Cemetery with Cindy Lash officiating.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Country Lane Memory Care