Mildred Irene Cox Hayes passed away on Dec. 15, 2010, in Fort Meyers, Fla. She was born May 4, 1919, in Decatur, Ill. to Carl and Catherine Carter Cox.
“Mom” Hayes was a "Rosie the Riveter" during WWII, building and testing machine guns that were installed in planes and tanks during the war. She married Lewis Robert Hayes on June 2, 1944, after a 3-day courtship. No one thought it would last, but they were together for 68 years! After the war, they settled in Fortville and started a family, though not a typical one. First, they adopted a son William Paul Hayes. Then they became foster parents to George and Lee Teepe, and over the years, they would foster 22 children in all! Mom Hayes always cared for the least and the lowest. Mom lost dad on Dec. 19, 2009.
Mom Hayes always was a calm and confident person, with a deep Faith in the Lord. She always said "Everything in God’s Time", and she was a beautiful witness to her love and faith in Jesus.
Millie (Mom) Hayes is survived by 2 sons, George (Danielle) Teepe and Lee (Lena) Teepe; grandchildren, Derek Hayes, Jennifer Hayes (Suzy), Chris Teepe, Aaron Teepe, William Teepe, and their families; a special family in Fla.; and her recent and wonderful foster children, Jeanie and Nate Conover; along with many other family members and friends.
Millie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lewis Robert Hayes; one son, William Paul Hayes; and one sister.
A Celebration of Life Services will be at 2 p.m. on March 4, 2011, at Gravel Lawn Chapel in Gravel Lawn Cemetery in Fortville. Last rights will be by Eastern Stars and the Methodist Church in Fortville.
