Flossie Emma Hayes, age 86, of Iola, Illinois, passed away peacefully at 1:15 am, Monday, January 12, 2026, at Axiom Gardens of Flora.

Flossie was born on November 9, 1939, in Goseneyville, Kentucky, the daughter of Luther and Mallie (Bailey) Tutt. She married James LeRoy Hayes on January 11, 1975, in Iola, Illinois and they shared 35 years of marriage before he preceded her in death on May 24, 2010.

Flossie's greatest pride was her family, to whom she devoted her life with unwavering commitment. She cultivated not only a warm and nurturing home but also instilled values of hard work and perseverance in her loved ones. Her career as a homemaker allowed her to focus on the well-being of her family, which she cherished deeply.

An avid lover of the outdoors, Flossie found joy in raising an abundant garden, ensuring her family enjoyed the fruits of her labor. She tended her rose beds with care, creating a beautiful sanctuary that reflected her nurturing spirit. In quieter moments, she found solace in reading, delighting in mystery novels and exploring various religious texts that fed her soul.

Flossie is survived by her children: Jennifer (Kevin) Stine of Iola, Cindy (Mike) Bishop of Litchfield, California, James Peck of Farina, Julie (Charlie) Peck of Fairfield, Jackie Jones of Kemmerer, Wyoming, Clara Davis (Jim) of Paris, Tennessee, Irena (Dawngola) Harrington of Louisville, Johnathan (Jackie) Hayes of Edgewood; 16 grandchildren; many great grandchildren, and many great-great grandchildren; sisters; Eleanor Tate of Kinmundy, Nora Smith of Louisville; she is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, Flossie was preceded in death by her parents; 2 granddaughters: Krystal Stine, Natasha Davis; siblings: Byrd Tutt, John Tutt, Jack Tutt, Nevada Deadmond, Virgie Basset, Virginia Gray.

Funeral services to celebrate Flossie's life will be held at 11:00 am, Monday, January 19, 2026, at the McGriff Funeral Home in Louisville with Brother Mike Durre officiating. Burial will follow at the Iola Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday morning at the funeral home from 10:00 to 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Flossie's memory to the Calvary Apostolic Tabernacle Church with envelopes available at the funeral home.

The McGriff Funeral Home in Louisville is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements. To sign the guestbook online or to share a memory or story of Flossie, please visit www.mcgriffandtriplettfh.com.