JERRY HAYES obituary

Jerry Hayes, 71, died Saturday, April 1, 2006, at Benefis Hospital in Great Falls after battling an aggressive cancer that led to renal failure.

Cremation has taken place and his memorial service will be held at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday at St. Jude Catholic Church with Father Robert D. Grosch officiating. A fellowship luncheon will be held at the St. Jude Parish Center immediately after the memorial service.

Jerry was born June 30, 1934, in Chinook to Edwin and Thelma (Overcast) Hayes. He was raised and educated in Chinook and attended Northern Montana College, University of Montana, Montana State University, University of California, University of Nevada, University of Colorado, University of South Dakota, University of Wisconsin and Jackson State College in Mississippi. He graduated with degrees in education, in biological sciences and a master's degree in career counseling. He entered into the U.S. Marine Corps from 1953 to 1956 and served in the 1st Marine Division in Korea. He was honorably discharged.

Jerry married Monica Elaine Lindstrom in 1958. She died in 1981. He then married Faye Olson in 1982, and she died in 1995.

Jerry educated more than 5,000 young minds during more than 48 years of teaching. He had a highly successful football coaching career ending with a record standing at 113 wins and 87 losses. He also coached basketball with more than 300 wins. Jerry worked at various school districts, including Winnett, Joplin, Flaxville, Glasgow, Opheim and Box Elder. He retired in 2001 and substitute taught around the community and also worked for Stone Child College as its part-time professor of computer operations and biology.

Jerry was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan. He enjoyed coaching and watching football and fishing. He was a member of the Montana Coaches Association, IM BRE Science, and the Montana Education Association.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Elaine Hayes, in 1981; and second wife, Faye Hayes, in 1995.

Survivors include his daughter, Joni (Charles) Swillie of Lakewood, Wash.; sons, Jim (Dana) Hayes of Sauk Rapids, Minn., and Joe (Ginger) Hayes of Frisco, Texas; stepchildren, Debbie Hovde, Donna Isbell and Jerry Olson; sisters, Helen McDonald of Rupert, Idaho, and Nora Howard of Idaho Falls, Idaho; brother, Max Hayes of Las Vegas, Nev.; four grandchildren; several stepgrandchildren; and his dedicated caregiver, Kathy Root.

Memorials in Jerry's honor may be made to the American Cancer Society, 550 N. 31st St., Suite 103, Billings, MT 59101.

Services and arrangements are under the direction of Holland & Bonine Funeral Home.