Barbara Lou Hayes

Barbara was born May 14, 1934 in Southgate, California to Mildred Saul. When she was very young her mother met and married Herman Saul who became her live long father. She was the youngest of two children. She grew up in Los Angeles. She was very close to her Grandmother who helped to raise her while her mother worked. Through this relationship she learned the value of family. A value she always cherished, modeled and instilled in her entire family.

One summer day while on the beach in Long Beach California she was hit by a football! A single act that would change her life forever and begin a lifelong love affair. Barbara met Cal Hayes, a young Navy serviceman, who intentionally threw the ball. She then gave him her number in red lipstick on a paper bag. Cal then spent the next year on and off overseas. All the while the both writing hundreds of letters to each other. She married Cal in 1951 and was married to him for 61 years. He and Barbara have three children, Calvin “Gene”, David, and Linda.

In her retirement years she was thrilled to help to provide daycare to her grandchildren while at the same time helping Cal with his love for growing roses. She and Cal won the top National Prize, the Nicholson Perpetual Challenge Bowl, six times for the best roses at the National Show.

Most importantly she was excited to tell you how many plays, shows, dances and Water polo games she attended!

Her Reflections

“My life has always been my family. We were young parents, grandparents and great grandparents allowing us to be hands on. This was truly the joy of my life. The love of my life was Cal.”

Barbara is survived by her three children Gene, David and Linda; eight grandchildren Leigh, Brett, Brent, Kellie, Kristie, Ryan, Brittany and Garrett; and eleven great grandchildren.