Pauline Olivia Hayes

After a courageous battle with Alzheimer's, Pauline O. Hayes went home to be with the Lord on December 1, 2007. She was born Oct. 16, 1930 to Burl and Evie Blair and was the 4th of 11 children. Pauline and her husband Joe lived most of their married life in the Morenci and Clifton area. While living there, Pauline, Joe and their family were very involved in their church, 1st Southern Baptist Church of Morenci. Pauline was very instrumental in helping to start the Greenlee County Association for Retarded Citizens which would provide an adult work shop for mentally handicapped adults and encourage the local school system to provide for the handicapped in Greenlee County. Other accomplishments in her lifetime were writing and publishing of 4 books. Which would include a cookbook of family recipes and writing a historical novel about her grandmother's life in Texas. Pauline loved cooking for her family. She often entered cooking contests and in 1971 won a place in the Cudahy State Cook off. When moving to the White Mountains, Pauline and Joe along with their son Joe, Jr. would begin some of the happiest years of their life. After becoming active members of 1st Baptist Church of Show Low, they formed many new friends in the area. While enjoying their retirement years they were able to spend time with grandchildren who often stayed with them. Joe pursued his enjoyment of fishing with his grandkids and Pauline, when not making cookies and pies and cakes for the grandkids, began to pursue her dream of writing. It was while living in Show Low that Pauline would publish the 4 books she wrote. A few years after the passing away of her husband, Pauline began experiencing the signs of Alzheimer's. This would begin a new chapter in her life as she dealt with this debilitating disease. With dignity, grace and strength she helped her family make those decisions that would provide for her care in the last years of her life. Pauline will be missed by her family and friends. Pauline is survived by her three sons, Joe, Jr. of Glendale, James (Ana) of Glendale, David (Linda) Hayes of Pearland, Texas; 5 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Joe, and a sister, Leona. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Friday, December 14, 2007 at the 1st Baptist Church in Show Low with a visitation one-hour prior at the church. Interment will be in the Show Low Cemetery.