Mary Frances Hayes

Mary Frances Hayes, 75, of Newark, passed away surrounded in love at home. A funeral to celebrate her life will be held on Friday, August 4, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Newark with Rev. Charles Armstrong officiating. Burial will follow in Licking Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church, 1000 Granville Road, Newark, one hour prior to the funeral service on Friday, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Francie was born on July 15, 1948 in Grayson, Kentucky to the late Frank H. and Violet (Tackett) Gilbert. She was strong and feisty, however, she lost her battle with breast cancer on July 24, 2023. Francie never met a stranger and caring for others came naturally. She loved being a homemaker and making others feel welcome. Francie was a wonderful cook and you would never leave with an empty stomach. She loved doing primitive and antique shows. She loved taking hold of and redesigning primitive dolls turning them into little pieces of herself and sharing their story-her story with others. She loved music and playing the piano, in fact, to her life was one big orchestra where we each have our own special melody. If she saw or heard someone who needed a little music, a kind deed, some hope, well then, she would make it her mission to share a kind word, a kind act and in the end a prayer of hope. She touched many lives as she silently fought and suffered through her own battles. Just as she had done throughout her entire life. She is a mother to many, a cherished friend and family to us all. She will be missed and remembered in love. Survivors include her loving husband of 54 years, Henry K. Hayes, whom she married September 15, 1968; son, Frank M. (Alisa) Hayes; daughter, Cassandra A. Hayes; grandchildren, Braden, Justin, Erica, T.J. and Justus; great grandchildren, Lanie, Raelynn, Gabrielle and Josiah; and many nieces, nephews and friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Sally Hill. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Mary to Capital City Hospice or to the Stephanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research. Envelopes will be available at the church. Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral and Cremation Service is honored to care for Mary and the Hayes family.