Jeanne Avon McIlroy Hayes

        Jeanne Avon McIlroy Hayes passed away June 10, 2024 in Clovis, New Mexico at the age of ninety-four.  She was born March 7, 1930 in Borger, Texas to Marion and Lela Riley McIlroy.  Her family moved to Pampa, Texas in 1939, to Coahoma, Texas in 1942, to Colorado City, Texas in 1943 and later in 1943 to Lea County, New Mexico.  They lived near Oil Center and she attended church and school in Eunice.  Jeanne graduated from Eunice High School in 1948 and attended Abilene Christian College in Abilene, Texas.  In 1951 she moved with her family to Hobbs.  

            She married Preston C. (Jim) Hayes August 8, 1952 at Taylor Street Church of Christ.  A faithful Christian and member at Taylor Street, she taught Sunday school for many years, participated in many church activities, and was often called on to sing for weddings and funerals.  She was a member of the Lea County Republican Party, serving as vice-chairman and secretary, and the Lea County Republican Women, where she served as president and secretary.  She was proud to be the county chairman of the second Reagan-Bush campaign and worked for several candidates through the years.  

            She was a devoted birdwatcher most of her adult life and identified over 100 species near her home when she lived north of Hobbs, as well as many more on her travels.

            She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, Jim, in 1993 and also by her brothers Earle McIlroy and Jimmie McIlroy, and her sisters, Blanche Martyr, Ferne Vincent, and Joyce Gustafson.

            She is survived by two sons, David Hayes and his wife, Jinita, of Lovington; Jeffrey Hayes and his wife, Lori, of ­­­­­­­­­­Dover, Oklahoma; and a daughter, Kerri Klemm and her husband, Bruce, of Bartlett, Tennessee.  Her grandchildren are Daniel Hayes and his wife Alondra; Jess Hayes and his wife Sarah; Lauren Grabow and her husband Blaine; Amanda Page and her husband, Chris; and Elisa Klemm.  Her great-grandchildren are Catherine, Addison and James Hayes; Preston Hayes; Gabrial and Colby Stokes; Lasi, Lathan, and Owen Grabow; and David Page.            

            Memorial contributions may be made to New Mexico Christian Children’s Home in Portales, New Mexico (1356 NM-236, Portales, NM 88130; nmcch.org).