Gretchen Hayes

Gretchen Hayes passed away on April 4, 2026 in Harrisonville, MO at the age of 78. Gretchen was born on December 27, 1947 in Columbus, OH to Frederick Dewitt Van Buskirk and Judith May (Yaple) Van Buskirk. She graduated from Zane Trace High School in Chillicothe, OH with the class of '66.

She married James Hayes in Lakewood, CA and they had two sons. Gretchen and James were married for 56 years and lived in Harrisonville for over 40 years.

Gretchen was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a son (Neil), and all six of her siblings. She is survived by her son, Alan Hayes of Lone Jack, MO and her grandchildren.

Cremation services were under the direction of Wallace Funeral Home in Pleasant Hill, MO.