Ronald L. Hayes

Ronald L. (Hop/Hoppy) Hayes, 66 of Elkhart, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, August 18, 2018 at Elkhart General Hospital.

Ron was born April 7, 1952 in Elkhart to the late Mary L. Hayes-Walters and William Hayes. Ron married Patricia A. Mapes on April 29, 1978. She survives along with his son, Brent (Monica) Hayes of Jacksonville, FL, his daughter, Kristina Hayes of Mishawaka, granddaughter, McKailah “Little Red” Harrison, grandson, Alexander “Little Buddy” Hayes, 2 brothers, Stephen (Marcie) Hayes of Elkhart and Edwin (Suzanne) Hayes of Maryland, 2 sisters, Barbara (Beuford) Lee of Bristol and Elaine Garner of Elkhart. Also numerous nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and 2 sisters, MaryLou Crook and Janet Sue Hayes.

Ron was a Reserve Officer for both Elkhart City and Elkhart County Police Departments for many years. He graduated from Elkhart High School in 1970 and earned an Associates degree from Indiana University. He retired in January from FedEx. He loved drag racing, collecting, auctions and spending time with his family and friends.

A special thank you goes to Michiana Hematology Oncology and Heartland Hospice Care.

In lieu an flowers, donations are preferred to Stand up to Cancer or Ribbon of Hope. Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com.

Burial for Ronald L. (Hoppy) Hayes who passed away Aug. 18, 2018 will be 10:30 am Sat. Oct 20th at Rice Cemetery. A celebration of Life Gathering will follow at High Dive Park Pavilion from 12-2 pm.