Iris Aileen Hayes

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved mother and grandmother, Iris Hayes, who peacefully passed away on March 4, 2025, at the age of 79.

Iris Aileen (McPhaul) Hayes was born on August 5, 1945, in Elgin, Texas to Gaston and Gracie Mae (Barker) McPhaul. Throughout her life, she was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend.

From a young age, family was at the heart of Iris's life. She spent her formative years growing up in McDade, and enjoyed a close bond with her parents, siblings, and grandparents. Iris loved sharing stories of her childhood, often reminiscing about the rich history of the area that she held so dear. She would fondly recall trips to the Knobbs Hills, participating in the various Watermelon Festival activities, and gathering with old friends and family to share laughter and create lasting memories.

Iris had two sons, Steve and Kevin Mills, who were the center of her world and whom she loved more than anything. While raising her boys, Iris moved to E. Ila Street in Elgin, where she lived across from Charles Hayes. Their love story began when they went on their first date on February 14, 1981. After thirteen years of dating, Charles and Iris were married in 1994 in Elgin, Texas, marking the start of a beautiful life together. Through her marriage to Charles, Iris also gained two wonderful children, Eric and Sandra Hayes, who she loved and cherished deeply.

Together, Charles and Iris shared a love that was strong and timeless. They enjoyed traveling and embracing life to the fullest. Many nights they could be found at a Tejano dance, lost in the music of the Rumors band, dancing the night away. They found pure joy in each other’s company.

Iris was affectionately known as "Grandma" by her grandchildren and "Ma" by her great-grandchildren. She was deeply loved by her eleven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, who always looked forward to her famous sugar cookies at every family gathering. Iris's favorite time of the year was the holiday season, and she took such pride in decorating her home with gingerbread-themed décor for her grandkids and great-grandkids to enjoy. She truly was the queen of Christmas, and she cherished the sparkle in the children’s eyes when she brought out the “big stocking” each year.

Iris was also widely known for her incredible talent in decorating, party planning, and floral arranging. Her beautiful creations graced many weddings, parties, quinceañeras, and other special events, adding a unique and personal touch to each event. She took great joy in being part of these memorable celebrations and loved contributing her skills to make each event unforgettable.

Iris is proceeded in death by her dear husband, Charles Hayes, her son Steven Mills, brothers JT McPhaul, Monte McPhaul and Travis McPhaul and her parents Gaston and Gracie McPhaul.

Her wonderful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her children, Kevin (Norma) Mills, Sandra (Steven) Walker, and Eric (Kirsten) Hayes; her grandchildren, Ashlee (Mitchell) Smith, Dustin Mills, Heather (Justin) Lundgren, Lyndsey Gordon, Logan Gordon, Jacob (MaKayla) Mills, Katrina Mills, Merina Mills, Brayden Hayes, Brea Hayes and Lola Walker; her great-grandchildren, Emma and Jace Smith, Liam Sanchez, and Whitlee and Willow Lundgren; her sister, Mary Jo Park and many nieces, nephews, and friends whom she loved very much.

Iris Hayes lived a remarkable life, full of love, adventure, and cherished moments. She embraced every opportunity to create lasting memories with her family, her travels, and the simple joys of life. Iris’s vibrant spirit and zest for life left a lasting impact, and her legacy of warmth and kindness will continue to inspire all who knew her.

A visitation will be held at 10:00 AM Tuesday, March 11, 2025, Providence-Jones Family Funeral Home with a Celebration of Life beginning at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow in the McDade Cemetery