Leo & Ramona Hayes

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Leo and Ramona Hayes sadly announce both of their passing (Ramona: December 28, 2020 and Leo: December 31, 2020) at the ages of 91 and 98 respectively due to complications from COVID -19.

Both Ramona and Leo passed away peacefully with family by their sides while receiving the best possible care from the Central Todd County Care Center in Clarissa.

Ramona Irene (Nelson) Hayes was born August 5th, 1929 in Clarissa, MN. She was the daughter of Andrew G. and Hilda (Larson) Nelson of Clarissa.

Ramona was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church as well as other social organizations. She enjoyed knitting, needle point, crocheting and was an exceptional quilter. She had just finished a quilt for Leo only days before she passed away.

Ramona worked as a switch board operator for the Eagle Valley Telephone Company and later as an office worker at the Clarissa Public Schools.

Ramona was preceded in death by her parents Andrew and Hilda Nelson of Clarissa, brother Dallas Nelson and grandson Andrew Hayes. 

Leo Willian Hayes was born December 31st, 1922 in Iona township and the second son of Rose (Kotval) Hayes and Homer C. Hayes.  Leo was in the US Army from October 5, 1946 to April 16, 1948 stationed in Sasebo Japan.  He worked at the Farmers Coop Produce and for the U.S. Post Office as a rural mail carrier in Clarissa.  He had a wonderful memory and would often be asked to validate people or events of Clarissa.  He wanted to be up to date on all family members.  Leo had a green thumb and in retirement years enjoyed growing “anything” but a preference on tomatoes.  A great conversationalist he could talk to anyone, anywhere, and gain a friend.  He was very proud of his Bohemian (Czech) heritage. 

Leo was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Amos, Donald, Richard, and grandson Andrew Hayes and by his wife of 72 years Ramona 3 days prior.

On June 17, 1948 Leo and Ramona Nelson were married at the United Methodist Church of Clarissa. Both Leo and Ramona loved to dance, they enjoyed all types of music and attended concerts and plays as often as they could. They spent 16 years wintering in south Texas and 20 years of summers on Battle Lake near Henning, MN. Their theme song was “Side by Side” and that was how they left the earth and entered Heaven.  We take comfort that neither had to learn to live life without the other.

Leo and Ramona are survived by children Greg (Sarah) Hayes of Pelican Rapids MN, Spencer (Chris) Hayes of Clarissa MN, Ken (Linda) Hayes of Hugo MN and Cindy (Mark Lewer) of Guthrie MN. Grandchildren Kari (Chris) Iverson, Melissa (April) Hayes, Susie Hayes and (Cybrean Hubert), Kirk Hayes, Mike (Kim) Hayes, John (Nicole) Hayes and Brenden Steinemann, and Valerie Hayes Wunder (Chris Wunder). Great grandchildren Lauren Kilvington, Avyn Hayes, Brandon, Cerina and Abie Hayes, Danica and Lydia Hayes, Rylee Hayes, Gretchen and Chloe Hayes (Mother Karen).

In lieu of flowers, contributions should be sent to the Central Todd County Care Center in Clarissa or the United Methodist Church of Clarissa, both of whom contributed to them “living happily ever after”.

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