Susan Hayes

Susan Cheryl Hayes, 79, a lifelong resident of Eureka, Kansas, peacefully passed away on Saturday, October 10, 2026, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by the love of a family to whom she had devoted her life.

Susan was born on July 22, 1947, in Eureka, Kansas, the daughter of Kenneth Earl and Maxine Mary Elizabeth (Winkler) Griggs. She grew up in Eureka and graduated from Eureka High School with the Class of 1965. On June 26, 1965, she married the love of her life, Danny Kay Hayes. Together, they made their home in Eureka, raised three children, and built a beautiful life surrounded by love and being together.

Susan loved to fish and spent countless hours fishing the small ponds of Greenwood County and the Eureka Lake. Some of her favorite moments were spent sitting with Danny on their front porch swing, watching the birds that she so faithfully fed each day. She had a special love for plants and flowers and watching them grow.

Of all the seasons, spring held a special place in Susan's heart because it meant the beginning of gardening season. She loved everything about tending to a garden, from digging in the dirt and pulling weeds to watching their beautiful garden produce veggies that would be shared with family, friends, neighbors, the community and even their physicians and nurses that cared for them for years. For Susan, gardening was never just about growing vegetables. It was about spending time with Danny, caring for something she loved, and sharing the rewards of their hard work with others.

Susan took great pride in everything she did, including her work. Throughout the years, she held several positions, including keeping books for Felice Bender and assisting Judge Jack Sanders. Her dedication, strong work ethic, and great attention to detail were qualities admired by those who had the pleasure of working alongside her.

Susan's faith in Jesus Christ and her Heavenly Father was an important part of her life. She was a member of Jefferson Street Baptist Church in Eureka, and her faith was demonstrated in the love, kindness, and generosity she gave to others.

But above all else, Susan's greatest love and proudest accomplishment was her family. She devoted her life to those she loved, always putting their needs before her own. Nothing made her happier than having her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren together. She treasured family gatherings, looked forward to every opportunity to spend time with those she loved, and found her greatest joy in simply being surrounded by family.

Susan leaves behind a lifetime of beautiful memories, cherished traditions, and a love that will continue to be felt for generations to come. She will be forever remembered not only for the life she lived, but for the countless ways she made life more beautiful for those around her.

She is survived by her loving husband, Danny Hayes, of the home; her three children, Chuck Hayes and his wife, Jeana, of Paragould, Arkansas; Cheryl Yoder of El Dorado, Kansas; and Cindy Schwartz and her husband, Sean, of El Dorado, Kansas; four grandchildren, Tyler Spore, Taylyn Barkley, Seth Spore, and Ashlen Riggs; and five great-grandchildren, Tate, Brooks, Wesley, Hayes, and Beckham. She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Maxine Griggs, and her infant brother, Ken Ronald Griggs.

A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Cremation has taken place.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Greenwood County Home Health or Gentiva Hospice. Contributions may be sent in care of Koup Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 595, Eureka, KS 67045, which is overseeing arrangements. Condolences may be left for the family online at koupfunerals.com.