HAYES, Pauline O.

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ December 11, 2007 After a courageous battle with Alzheimer's, Pauline O. Hayes went home to be with the Lord Dec. 1, 2007. She was born Oct. 16, 1930, to Burl and Evie Blair and was the fourth of 11 children. Pauline and her husband Joe lived most of their married life in the Morenci and Clifton area. While living there, Pauline, Joe and their family were very involved in their church, First Southern Baptist Church of Morenci. Pauline was very instrumental in helping to start the Greenlee County Association for Retarded Citizens which provided an adult workshop for mentally handicapped adults and encouraged the local school system to provide for the handicapped in Greenlee County. Other accomplishments in her lifetime were writing and publishing four books, including a cookbook of family recipes and a historical novel about her grandmother's life in Texas. Pauline loved cooking for her family. She often entered cooking contests and in 1971 won a place in the Cudahy State Cook off. When moving to the White Mountains, Pauline and Joe, along with their son Joe Jr., would begin some of the happiest years of their life. After becoming active members of First Baptist Church of Show Low, they formed many new friends in the area. While enjoying their retirement years they were able to spend time with grandchildren who often stayed with them. Joe pursued his enjoyment of fishing with his grandkids, and Pauline, when not making cookies and pies and cakes for the grandkids, began to pursue her dream of writing. It was while living in Show Low that Pauline published the four books she wrote. A few years after the passing away of her husband, Pauline began experiencing the signs of Alzheimer's. This would begin a new chapter in her life as she dealt with this debilitating disease. With dignity, grace and strength she helped her family make those decisions that would provide for her care in the last years of her life. Pauline will be missed by her family and friends. Pauline is survived by her three sons, Joe Jr. of Glendale, James (Ana) of Glendale and David (Linda) Hayes of Pearland, Texas, five grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Joe and sister Leona. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 14, at the First Baptist Church in Show Low with a visitation one hour prior at the church. Interment will be in the Show Low Cemetery. Owens Mortuary of Show Low handled the arrangements. For those who have special memories and would like to send private condolences or sign an online guest book, visit www.owensmortuary.com.