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Obituary of Irene J. Hayes

Elmwood – Irene J. Hayes, 96, of Peoria, formerly of Elmwood, died at 2:17 p.m. Sunday, January 25, 2009, at Manor Court, Peoria.

She was born October 25, 1912, in Brimfield Township, Peoria County, the daughter of Rudolph H. & Mary Goetze Bruninga.  She married Charles T. Hayes on March 3, 1934, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Brimfield.  He survives.

Also surviving are two daughters, Jean Coon of Princeville, and Mary Joan (and Jim) Smith of Dunlap; five grandchildren, Mark (and Jean) Coon of Lake Villa, IL, Barb Messersmith of Princeville, Brenda (and Ken) Ward of Pinellas Park, FL, Jeff (and Karla) Smith of Princeville, and Jill (and Brad) Yoder of Congerville; 13 great-grandchildren, Ryan, Erin, & Austin Coon, Ashley and Jimmy Messersmith, Sara Bohm, Jolene, Todd, & Rachel Ward, Kristi & Andy Smith, and Brett & Callie Yoder; one sister, Ruby Garrison of Maumee, OH; and several nieces and nephews.  Her parents, two brothers, Leroy & Chester Bruninga, and one nephew, Rudi Bruninga preceded her in death.

Irene was valedictorian of the 1930 class of Brimfield High School.  She graduated from Brown’s Business College, and then went to work for Bourgoin Monument Company, Elmwood, as a bookkeeper.  She also helped her husband farm in the Peoria, Knox, & Fulton counties for many years.  Irene was a charter and the oldest living member of the Peoria County Home Extension and was a member of the Elmwood Women’s Club for over 50 years.  She was a lifetime member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Brimfield, and its Ladies Aid Society.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 28, 2009, at her church.  Pastor Michael Liese will officiate.  Visitation will be one hour prior to funeral service.  Burial will be in St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery (Jubilee Township), rural Brimfield. 

Memorial contributions may be made to her church.

The family would like to thank the staff of Liberty Village, Manor Court, & Hawthorne Inn for all their care and compassion during Irene’s illness.  They would also like to extend a special thank-you to Dr. San German.  Irene was the best mother in the whole world.

Hammitt-Hott Funeral Home, Princeville, is in charge of arrangements. 

Private condolences may be sent to the family by clicking here.