Dorothy Helen Darden Hayes passed away peacefully on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 24, 2016. Dorothy was born in San Antonio, Texas, on May 26, 1928. She was a daughter, a sister, a proud military wife, a wonderful mother to five children, Aunt Dottie to her nieces and nephew, and Me-Ma to 11 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. In her 88 years, Dorothy touched many lives and easily made an imprint on the hearts of those who knew her.
Dorothy spent her early years in San Antonio with her parents and younger sister. She graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1945, and married her beloved husband, George, in 1949. Dorothy's main role in life was wife and mother and she loved the travel and diversity that came with military life. Texas was home, but over many years Dorothy lived with her family in Germany, Okinawa, and Alaska. She was active in the NCO Wives Club, serving on the board of the Fort Hood chapter and an active member of the American Red Cross Fort Hood chapter. Upon her husband's retirement to Austin in the mid 1970's, Dorothy went to work for the Austin Independent School District and later the Internal Revenue Service. Following her own retirement, she spent many years volunteering in the Linder Elementary School library and continued her love of travel both inside and outside the United States. Both of these endeavors fit perfectly with her unquenchable love of reading and her deep interest in history.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, George E. Hayes, parents John and Helen Darden, and sister and brother-in-law Marjorie "Mickey" and Frank Hogan.
She is survived by her son, James Hayes and his wife Cheri Marshall Hayes of Austin, daughter Sharon Eggenberger of San Angelo, daughter Janet Holder and her husband Buddy Holder, and daughters Robin Hayes and Kimberly Hayes all of Austin; her grandchildren Josh Hayes, Doug and Rebecca Hayes, Corey Eggenberger, Evan and Leona Eggenberger, Jon and Stephanie Holder, Nick and Jade Holder, Brett Eggenberger, Katie Hayes, Anthony Holder and fiance Kimberley Lane, Melanie Holder, and Sarah Finch; and her great grandchildren Claire Hayes, Mason Hayes, Madilyn Hayes, Grayson Finch, Seeley Holder, Willa Eggenberger, and Wrenlyn Holder.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (heroes.vfw.org), an organization to which Dorothy often contributed over the years or the Texas Veterinary Medical Foundation (https://tvma.azurewebsites.net/Affiliates/TVMF/Memorial-Gift-Program) which is dedicated to ensuring the health and welfare of animals throughout Texas, and is tied to her love of animals.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
December 1, 2016
Janet & Robin:
The photo gallery is such a beautiful tribute to your mother and family. I am so sorry for your loss. Janet, I have always appreciated the love and compassion you expressed about your mother. God bless and keep you!
November 30, 2016
Ann Chirhart
I am so very sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Much love, Ann Chirhart
November 29, 2016
Larry & Emily Juergens
Kim,
Larry and I are thinking of you and your family. The photos of her life were so touching and beautiful. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
November 29, 2016
Mark Duncan
So sorry for your loss. She was a sweet lady.
November 29, 2016
Becca Martinez
So sorry for your loss Robin and family. All are in my prayers. Take care, Becca Martinez
November 29, 2016
Sara Rodriguez
November 29, 2016
Kathy Bowers
What beautiful pictures and memories. I cherish the 40 years that I have known and loved Dot. God bless your family.
November 28, 2016
Lori Brown-Duncan
Your mother was a pleasure to know and she was a blessing to us all. I am praying for your family. Much love,
November 28, 2016
Sunny Stout
Robin & Janet, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I know that you will be filled with many wonderful memories of your Mother. I wish I had known her. I love you both.
November 28, 2016
Melody Chatelle
Robin and Janet and family - What beautiful pictures of your Mom and family!! I am so sorry to hear about her passing, and yet I know she will always be with you in your hearts and memories. And no doubt she is incredibly proud of you both, as well she should be. My thoughts and prayers are with you this week, and beyond!!!
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