Marion Elaine Hayes

Marion E. Hayes passed away peacefully from kidney cancer and heart disease on September 28, 2024, with her daughter, Barbara, at her side. Gilbert, Arizona, had been her home for the past 9 ½ years, living just down the street from her daughter and son-in-law. Marion had just celebrated her 98th birthday in typical “Marion” fashion with over 100 family and friends in attendance, complete with everything yellow and too many decorative butterflies to count.

Marion Elaine Nielson was born in Sanish (presently known as New Town), North Dakota, on August 17, 1926, to Niels Thomas Nielson and Edna Lenora Hams Nielson. Marion attended school in Sanish, Minot, and Williston, North Dakota. Marion’s family moved to Aberdeen, South Dakota, in 1942, with Marion starting her senior year at Aberdeen Central High School, graduating in May of 1943. She met her high school sweetheart, Donald Hayes, in English class that school year.

The family moved back to Minot, North Dakota, after Marion graduated from high school, and Marion attended Minot State Teacher’s College while Don was in the U.S. Army during WWII. Marion married Donald Hayes in Minot on August 17, 1945, her 19th birthday. After Don was discharged from the service, they moved to Aberdeen where Don attended Northern State College, later moving to Lincoln, Nebraska, to complete his degree.

After Don’s schooling was completed, they settled in Aberdeen. Marion was busy raising their four children and engaging in the activities with their education.

Marion was active in volunteering, attending school activities with her children, grandchildren, and her church. She graduated from Northern State College in Aberdeen in 1982. Marion was president of her church circles, UMW, WSCS – all at the First United Methodist Church. Also active with the Community Concert Board; member of AAUW; Alumni Board member at NSU; Aberdeen Country Club Golf President; board member of Dakota Prairie Museum; President of Chapter B of PEO; President of Yelduz Shrine Auxiliary; Queen of Daughters of the Nile; Worthy Matron of Eastern Star; Grand Chaplain of Order of Eastern Star; and shared sister of PEO Chapter EW in Gilbert, Arizona.

Marion’s husband, Donald D. Hayes, the love of her life, passed away on July 27, 1983, of a heart attack.

Marion married Robert E. ‘Bob’ Olson on August 31, 1985, in Aberdeen, South Dakota. They enjoyed 30 years together golfing, playing bridge, and traveling.

Marion is preceded in death by her parents; four brothers; one sister; both husbands (Donald in 1983 and Robert in 2016); 3 adult sons – W. Thomas Hayes, Michael E. Hayes, and Charles C. Hayes; two daughters-in-law – Tamera Jensen Hayes (Tom) and Nancy Sackreiter Hayes (Chuck). Also, preceding Marion in death, are four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Survivors include Marion’s daughter, Barbara D. Korsmo, and son-in-law Jim Korsmo, of Gilbert, Arizona; daughter-in-law Karen F. Hayes (Mike) of Florida; 10 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, and quite a large extended family.

A “Celebration of Life” for Marion will be held at Clearwater Agritopia Living Center in Gilbert, Arizona, on October 26, 2024. Her burial will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Aberdeen, South Dakota.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the following: Yelduz Shrine Transportation Fund; Chapter B of PEO “Elf” Fund; Aberdeen Community Concert; and The Dakota Prairie Museum, all of Aberdeen, SD; and the Eastern Star Home in Redfield, SD.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mariposagardens.com for the Hayes family.

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