"Thank you, sender."
In loving memory of
Russell Hayes
May 5, 1961 - May 9, 2019
A memorial service will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, May 31, 2019, at First Presbyterian Church, Mt. Pleasant, IA, with Reverend Trey Hegar officiating. The family will greet friends in the church fellowship hall following the service. Final resting place will be with a tree on the family farm. Gifts of love and friendship may be given to Friends of Port Louisa or Hospice of Washington County. Olson~Powell Memorial Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be directed to www.olsonpowell.com.
He may not have worn a cape or a symbol on his chest, or had a batterang on his hip, or commanded the Galactica, but the world lost one of the good guys. Family was always first for Russ. Always. He was a wonderful husband, son, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, friend, colleague and coach.
Russ was born May 5th, 1961 to M. Jane (Mellinger) and Harold F. Hayes. He grew up in Oakville, IA, where he developed a love of sports, superheroes, and reading, especially Stephen King. M-O-O-N, that spells Russ. He graduated from Wapello High School in 1979 and went on to earn a BA and teaching certificate at Central College in Pella, IA.
At a disco he met the love of his life. Russ and Monie LaFrance (Wilson) Hayes married in Burlington June 14th, 1986. They danced to the Beatles and wore identical wedding bands for the next nearly 33 years.
Russ set the example of how to be the best dad ever. He was the proud father of Sally and Maya, spending countless hours coaching their softball and basketball teams, cheering on the marching band, teaching them how to drive and discussing Batman, X-Men, and Justice League. More so, he instilled a desire to leave the world a better place, to be strong and just when it isnt the easy option, to be kind and generous, and to live a joy-filled life.
He was a loving, kind man. He wasnt one vying for awards and accolades. Russ didnt want the limelight (he preferred the Bat Signal), but encouraged and supported others as they worked towards their own goals.
Russ worked in social services for three decades, helping those who needed it most - kids. He worked at Christamore House and the Iowa Department of Human Services where he was a supervisor in child protection services.
Some people say that dogs dont live as long as people because they give away all their love so freely. He loved his rescue dog Magik. Perhaps Russ left us so soon because hed given us all of his love, too. He enjoyed traveling with Monie and Magik to Colorado, Wisconsin and Michigan. And weekly dinners with best friend Mark Iversen were often full of discussion and laughter.
Holidays were a favorite time of year in the Hayes house. Annually, Russ prepared the turkey, helped put up and take down two live Christmas trees, and always picked out the pumpkins to be carved. Russ could be counted on to ask Santa to put a flashlight in each stocking.
Russ was the first family member to know a grandchild was on the way and helped keep the secret for nearly six weeks. He helped orchestrate the reveal for the entire family. Being Grampy to Squirmy was one of his favorite titles.
His cremains will be with a tree planted on family land.
Russ is missed. He will always be missed.
I love you 3000.
He is survived by his wife, Monie Hayes of Mt. Pleasant, IA; daughters Sally (Will) Hart of Ainsworth, IA, and Maya Hayes (Jory Marvin) of Coralville, IA; granddaughter Zara Hart of Ainsworth, IA; mother Jane Hayes of Wapello, IA; sister Julie (David) Rappenecker of Burlington, IA; niece Jennifer (Zachary) Jensen of Knoxville, IA; and his rescue dog Magik.
He is preceded in death by his father, Harold Hayes, and his grandparents.
Tributes
"Thank you very much for sharing your condolences. We miss Russ very much."
"A The Color of Memories Table Arrangement was ordered on May 30, 2019"
"I only worked with Russ a shirt time. I will always be grateful for the time he took to listen to me. Such a good soul. In the short time I knew him I knew how important his family was to him and I hope all the memories will keep you walking through this very difficult time. Thank you Russ. Teresa"
"Thank you. Have been thinking of you lately, too."
"A Spathiphyllum was sent on May 24, 2019Monie, You, your beautiful daughters and all that loved Russ are in our thoughts and prayers today and always. Love, Rob and Diane Tupper"
"Thank you, Jackie. He spoke well of you."
"I am very sorry to hear of Russ passing. We have worked together through different jobs. I knew Russ when he worked for Home Caring Services. We both lost our fathers about the same time. We always talked about kids and families beside working together. He was considered a friend and I will miss seeing him. I know he loved all of you by the conversations we had. He will always be in our memories."
"An Azalea Plant was sent on May 14, 2019Thinking of all your family at this difficult time. Love, Lisa, Phil, and Nora"
"My heart breaks for Russ family and friends. Russ was my supervisor the past three years. He was honestly the best supervisor Ive had. I will miss his stories hed tell about his family, especially his granddaughter, whom it was easy to tell he loved so much. Russ had the ability to engage absolutely anyone and he taught me so much in the short time I knew him. He made a very difficult job easier just by being him. He really cares about his workers and I will carry that with me forever. My condolences to your family."
"Thank you. He liked working with you, too. Your comments capture him very well."
"Im so sorry for your loss... Russ was my first supervisor at DHS! He was a wonderful mentor and taught me at the end of the day, family mattered most! He took great pride in keeping us updated on what was new with his family! I am deeply sorrowed by losing someone who was cherished by all!! He did great work for so many families and touched many, many lives!! He will be truly missed!"
"Thank you."
"Yes, that was Russ. Thank you."
"Yes, he was. Thank you for your kind words."
"Yes, we did. I appreciate the memories you shared here. Thank you."
"Thank you for taking the time to share that. I am pleased but not surprised to know that Russ is remembered so warmly after so many years. We miss him very much."
"I'm so sorry to hear of Ross's passing. Aunt Jane babysat for us at times. Fun times with Russ and Julie. Holding you, Sally and Maya in our prayers."
"I am so sad to hear of Russs passing. I worked with him for many years at DHS and greatly respected and admired him. He was definitely one of the good guys. He was very proud of his family."
"I had the privilege of working with Russ for many years at DHS. His dedication to the families we served was unsurpassed. His cooperation with all in the office was appreciated. I was so sorry to hear of his passing."
"Monie- so sorry to read about Russ. He was a great boss at Christamore back in the day. Though I haven't seen you or Russ in years, I wanted you to know that I think of you both often. Condolences to both you and your daughters."
"So very sorry for families loss of a gracious man, l had the pleasure of working with him at DHS and enjoyed our many conversations. He will truly be missed"
"My deepest sympathy to Russ's family. Hugs to all of you!"
"Russ was an amazing man. I will never forget everything he did for me and that he always had my back. I will miss him and his stories, especially his Zara updates, he was so proud of her. I'm so sorry for your loss. The world definitely lost a good one."
"I am so sorry for your loss. I enjoyed getting to work with Russ. My prayers are with your family."
"So very sorry for your family's loss. I worked with Russ for many years. He was a kind, honest & generous man who was so very proud to be a husband & father. He will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure to know him."
"We're so sorry to hear of your loss. Our sincere condolences to you all."