Ellen Ione Hayes, 99, died Saturday, July 22, 2017, at the Gran Villas of the Medicalodges in Columbus. She was born October 9, 1917, in Wichita, the daughter of Jay Steward and Lillian (Kautzer) Hess.

Ellen graduated from Pretty Prairie high school, attended Pittsburg State University and graduated from Sterling College in 1963, with a degree in Elementary Education. She taught school for many years, 20 of them at Union Valley elementary school in Hutchinson. Ellen was of the Methodist faith.

On October 30, 1941, she married Troy P. Hayes, in Pretty Prairie. He died on January 22, 2000. Ellen is survived by: daughter, DeAnn Sarwinski and husband, Michael of Columbus; grandchildren, Michael Sarwinski and wife, Kelly of Grove, OK, Beau Sarwinski and wife, Shelley of Galena, Brandy Sarwinski and fiancé, Glen Taylor of Pittsburg, Joseph Hayes of Hutchinson, Matthew Hayes and wife, Erica of Louisville, KY, Ashley Hayes of Overland Park ; 12 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; daughters-in-law, Marilyn Hayes of Overland Park; Gail Rassette and husband, Mark of Hutchinson; and numerous nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by: sons, Pat Hayes and Steve Hayes; daughter, Judith Hayes; brothers, Herb Hess Jr., Leland Hess, and Don Hess.

Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 26, 2017, at Elliott Chapel, Hutchinson. Burial will follow in Lone Star Cemetery, Pretty Prairie. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, with the family to receive friends from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, at Elliott Mortuary.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Reno County or the Salvation Army, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.