Obituary of Evelyn A Hayes

Evelyn A. Hayes

March 24, 1921 – October 30, 2023

Evelyn, a twin, was born March 24, 1921, to Mabel and Omer Adkinson in Crowley, Colorado, a small town in Southeastern Colorado. Her parents owned a General Grocery and Mercantile store where all the children worked part time. Evelyn was active in many school activities and graduated from Crowley High School in 1939. She and her twin sister Eleanor continued their education at the University of Colorado in Boulder, Colorado. Evelyn graduated in 1943 with a degree in Medical Technology.

Evelyn married Donald W. Hayes September 4, 1942. He was in the Army stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington in the 87th Mountain Infantry Division. After graduation from college, she was employed in the Chemistry Department at Colorado Medical School until December 1945 when Donald was discharged from the Army. In January 1946 they moved to Chico, California where they started a farming business. Evelyn worked at several different laboratories in Chico as a Medical Technician. From 1952 to 1957 she was a part-time teacher in the Biology Department at Chico State University. She retired in 1978. She then joined the Enloe Medical Auxiliary and worked as a volunteer for over 20 years.

Golf was one of her favorite pastimes. She was past President of the Bidwell Women’s Golf Club in 1965. She served on the Women’s Golf Association of Northern California from 1979 to 1982. She was a 50 year plus member of the Butte Creek Country Club serving as a Board Member and becoming the first woman to be President in 1984, and Captain of the Butte Creek Women’s Golf Club in 1993. She and Donald enjoyed golf as they traveled extensively in their 5th Wheel Trailer for nine years. Playing bridge was another favorite pastime of hers that she thoroughly enjoyed. Evelyn also enjoyed writing stories about her life though Prime Timers course at CSU, Chico, painting, and knitting. 

In 1946 she and Donald joined the Bidwell Memorial Presbyterian Church where she was active in the Presbyterian Women’s Club. Evelyn was well known for her yearly Pomegranate jelly donations through the Church. She also organized and facilitated the distribution of Prayer Shawls when needed.

Evelyn is survived by her children, Donald Hayes Jr., (Patty), Lewistown, MT., Marilyn Hayes-Cardinal, (Tim), Chico, CA., and Jon Hayes, (Sally), also of Chico, CA., Granddaughter Angela Carducci, (David), and Grandson Travis Hayes, (Amber). She is also survived by her Great Grandchildren Dominic and Antonio Carducci, and Colt and Temperance Hayes, Sister Elaine Maelzer, Loveland, CO., Brothers Marvin Adkinson, Westminster, CO., and Rollie Adkinson, (Ruthie), Greeley, CO., and numerous Nieces and Nephews.

Evelyn was predeceased in death by her husband Donald, Grandson Donnie Hayes III, and Sister Eleanor Jones. 

The family would like to thank the staff at the Townsend House Assisted Living Facility in Chico for the great care Evelyn received during her time spent there.

Thanks also to Valor Oncology for their dedication to Evelyn’s care.

If anyone cares to donate in Evelyn’s memory, please consider the following options:

Chico High Foundation, P.O. Box 1820, Chico, CA 95927. Memo: Donnie Hayes Scholarship

Butte Home Health and Hospice, Chico Ca.