Rhonda Hayes' Obituary
Rhonda Hayes, 59, of Marshall, MO, passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at the University of Missouri Hospital. Services will be held Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 12:00 PM at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Marshall. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the church.
Rhonda Charmaine "Lou" Hayes, age 59, of Marshall, Missouri, lived a life defined by generosity, service, and love for others. She was the beloved daughter of Betty and John Oliver Hayes, Jr., and was preceded in death by her grandparents Margaret and William Arnold, and Rebecca and John Hayes, as well as two half-sisters, Norman and Raneice Butler.
She is lovingly remembered by her siblings: Martha Saunders of Madison, Tennessee; Noveta Shepherd of Louisiana, Missouri; Ronald Hayes of Marshall, Missouri; Rita (Greg) Fisher of Independence, Missouri; and Kevin (Brandy) Hayes of Marshall, Missouri.
Known affectionately as "Lou," Rhonda dedicated many years to the Missouri Division of Youth Services, serving as Facility Manager at Langsford House. After retirement, she continued her calling as lead staff at Aiming Higher, providing compassionate care to individuals with developmental disabilities. Rhonda loved to travel and embraced life with curiosity and joy. She was proudly working toward completing her bucket list, with only three states left to visit.
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