Sally Ann Hayes

Sally Ann Hayes, age 88, of Ellsworth, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2026, at the Ellsworth Care Center. She left the way she wanted to, slipping away in the middle of the night, to spare her family the “moment” of her passing.

Sally was born on August 29, 1937, near Beldenville, Wisconsin, to William and Goldie (Cook) Walker. The youngest of ten children, she grew up in a bustling household that shaped her lifelong appreciation for family stories, independence, and the example of her mother’s hard work and quiet perseverance, two things she said she didn’t fully appreciate until much later in life.

On February 10, 1961, Sally was united in marriage to Duane Joseph Hayes in Mason City, Iowa. Together they were blessed with five children: Jeff, Jim, Joe, Julie, and Joanie. They also raised one grandchild, Megan, first together, and then, after her husband died, Sally by herself.

She lived a simple, gentle life and found joy in the everyday moments. Sally enjoyed fishing, taking trips to the casino, playing cards, and settling in with a good book. Her reading interests ranged from zombie-apocalypse novels to her longtime favorite, Little Women. She rarely missed a Minnesota Twins game on TV, and was known for her fondness for her beloved African violets and red geraniums, which always brought color and warmth to her home. Her iconic “grandma sweatshirts”—often adorned with birds or teddy bears—became a part of her signature style and a fond memory for her family.

She cherished time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and showed her love through acts of care, kindness, and home-baked treats. Her closest and dearest companion throughout her life was her sister, Marilyn, whose friendship she held especially close to her heart.

She is survived by her children: Jeff (Melissa) Hayes, Jim (Sue Stepka) Hayes, Joe (Lisa) Hayes, Julie (Rick) Conrad, Joanie (John) Scheuer; her grandchildren: Ashley (Justin), Jesse (Alexis), Brandon (Ryleigh), Marshall, Gracie, Shaunda (Joe), Sara, Hunter, Alex, Hannah, Logan, Bree, Megan (Jon) and Alison; and 13 great-grandchildren who affectionately called her Mimi. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Sally was preceded in death by her husband, Duane Hayes; her parents, William and Goldie Walker; and all nine of her siblings and their spouses.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home: 130 N. Grant Street, Ellsworth, Wisconsin 54011. A brief time of sharing will begin at 1:30 p.m. Burial will take place at a later date at Maple Grove Cemetery in Ellsworth, WI.

Arrangements are entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ellsworth. For more information or to share a memory, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call 715-273-4421.