Sonja Kay Hayes, 87, died May 11, 2026, at Legend Senior Living, Hutchinson. She was born January 3, 1939, in Kiowa County, to Albert and Lillian Mae (Magnuson) Lewis.

Sonja graduated from Pretty Prairie High School, in 1956. Throughout her career, she worked for Sears in the clothing department, helped her mom cook at Central Livestock from the 1960’s to the 1980’s, and served as a paraprofessional at both Roosevelt and McCandless Grade Schools. But the title and job she treasured the most was mom and grandma.

On June 18, 1958, she married James Lee “Jim” Hayes, in Castleton. Sonja and Jim enjoyed traveling, camping, and taking bus tours and trips with their grandchildren. In addition, they were avid fans of the Kansas City Royals, Kansas City Chiefs, and Kansas State Wildcats. Sonja and Jim enjoyed watching the Wildcats, and followed them, along with their friends, to many bowl games.

Together, they worked on hobbies and crafts with Jim cutting out wood projects and Sonja painting them. Their home became known as the “HHH”- “Hayes Hobby House”. Sonja was always there to support Jim behind the scenes, helping him with whatever project he had going on at the time.

Sonja was a member of Church of the Holy Cross, and sang in the church choir.

Sonja is survived by: her husband of almost 68 years, James “Jim” Hayes of Hutchinson; children, Tim Hayes (Kathy) of Kansas City, MO, Brenda Opbroek of Hastings, NE, and Kent Hayes (Amy) of Olathe; granddaughters, Tricia Evans, Meghan Patten, Ashley Hunt, and Haley Stroud; grandsons, Jonathan Hayes, Ryan Hayes, Ian Hayes, Logan Hayes, and Zane Gardner; 10 great-grandchildren; and sisters-in-law, Gay Lewis of Castleton and Marcia McAnarney (Jim) of Wichita; and brothers-in-law, Jack Hayes (Paula) of Yukon, OK, and Neil Hayes, (Lynette) of Lawrence.

She was preceded in death by: her parents; brothers, Jr. Lewis and Steve Lewis (Julie); sister, Virginia Bish (Ken); and brother-in-law, Bill Hayes.

Parish Rosary will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, May 18, 2026, with Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:30 a.m., both at Church of the Holy Cross, 2631 Independence Road, Hutchinson, with Father Andrew Meng officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery, Hutchinson. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and 1:00 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, with the family present from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Sunday at Elliott Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Church of the Holy Cross, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.