Mabel June Hayes

JOHNSTON CITY - Mabel June Hayes, 73, of Johnston City, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday morning, Oct. 9, 2025, in SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

Mabel was born on Oct. 30, 1951, in Belleville to Richard James and Iona (Quathamer) Ditch Sr. She married her high school best friend, Curtis Hayes, on June 16, 1973, at Zion United Church of Christ in Marion.

A proud 1969 graduate of Johnston City High School, Mabel went on to earn her bachelor's degree in English education from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. She turned her love of learning into a career in education that began at Johnston City High School, where she taught English and offered special encouragement for creative writing. Later she taught high school and junior high at Unity Christian School in Herrin. She then joined John A. Logan College, where she held several roles in adult literacy and grant administration before retiring in 2013.

In addition to teaching and promoting reading, Mabel was an avid reader herself. She loved books of all types and wrote two children's books of her own.

Mabel was a gifted embroiderer and seamstress, creating countless beautiful pieces that reflected her patience and creativity. She was also known for her exceptional baking skills and operated a home-based bakery, delighting her community with her cakes, pies, cookies, and other homemade treats.

Her faith was the foundation of her life. Mabel was a devoted member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Marion, where she sang in the choir, participated in women's Bible studies, prayer circle and was active in book clubs and fellowship groups. She was frequently in the church kitchen, especially appreciated for her chicken and dumpling fundraisers.

Mabel is survived by her devoted husband, Curtis Hayes of Johnston City; her sons, Jerod (Amanda) Hayes of Johnston City and Jeremy (Katie) Hayes of Bloomington; five cherished grandchildren, Ezekiel and Rachel Hayes of Johnston City, and Owen, Mitchell and Natalie Hayes of Bloomington; and her brother, Rick (Debbie) Ditch of Johnston City. She is also remembered fondly by several special nieces and nephews. Mabel loved many friends as though they were family, and throughout her life opened her heart and home to those in need of encouragement and support.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Marion. Celebration of Life services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, in the church, with Kim Lee-Brown officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. Envelopes will be available at the church on the day of the services.

Pyle Funeral Home in Johnston City is entrusted with the arrangements.