Lonora Lee Merriman Hayes' Obituary
Lonora Lee Merriman Hayes passed away Wednesday, July 6, 2016 just 32 days shy of her 100th birthday. Her life was centered around her family who will cherish memories of her. Her brothers and sisters nicknamed her “Little Woman” because of the way she took charge and did stereotypical “women” chores. The name “Woman” was fondly used by her family throughout her life. During WWII she worked in the aircraft factory in Garland–the typical “Rosie Riveter.” There she met Leslie Hayes whom she married in 1945. Lonora and Leslie were charter members of Dallas Highlands Christian Church. She was born August 7, 1916 in Dallas County to K.O. and Carrie (Wallace) Merriman. She was preceded in death by her parents, and by her husband, Leslie Hayes, her sisters, Chessie Adams and Helen Corley, and brothers Orville Merriman, Joe Merriman, and K.O. Merriman, Jr. She is survived by her two sons, Ron and Janet Hayes (Hideaway), Connell and Sheri Hayes (Mineola), by five grandchildren, Matthew Hayes (Mesquite), Todd and Emily Hayes (Maple Valley, Washington), Mark Hayes and Jammie Madden (Forney), Shelly Hayes and Jamie Sheehan (Garland), Philip Hayes (Slidell, Louisiana), three great-grandsons, Ethan and Riley Hayes (Maple Valley, Washington) and Chandler Sheehan (Garland), and one sister, Jane Gipson (Winnsboro). Numerous nephews and nieces will miss her, too. Services are Monday, July 11, 12PM at Restland Abbey Chapel with burial immediately following the service. Visitation will be the evening before, Sunday, 5-7PM, also at Restland.
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