Mary Ann (Cockrell) Hayes

Mary Ann (Cockrell) Hayes, 70, of Gardner, Kansas passed away after a hard fought battle with cancer Thursday, February 27, 2025 at Olathe Hospice House in Olathe, Kansas.

She was born December 19, 1954 in Kansas City, Missouri the daughter of Robert and Jean (Hammond) Cockrell.  She graduated from Ruskin High School in December 1972. 

On May 26, 1979, Mary Ann was united in marriage to Mike Hayes in Olathe, Kansas.

Mary Ann worked as Direct Support for Adults with Developmental Disabilities at Lakemary Center.  She was also a para educator for the Olathe School District. 

Mary Ann loved her family, and was known as a caregiver.  She was very active in her grandkids’ lives.  Most of all, she loved her husband, Mike.  She had a strong foundation in faith, and was active at Fellowship Bible Church doing local missions, like Mission Southside, and teaching children’s Sunday School classes. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Jean Cockrell; a brother, Ronnie Cockrell; two sisters, Patty Bibler and DeeDee Klotz; and a sister-in-law, Joanie Wright.

She is survived by her husband, Mike Hayes of the home; two daughters, Tina Rutledge and her husband, Larry, of Olathe, KS and Libby Harding and her husband, Jon, of Olathe, KS; six grandchildren, Emma and Will Rutledge of Olathe, KS and Audrey, Molly, Cora, and Elijah Harding of Olathe, KS; two sisters, Debbie Dyer and Linda Citarello; a brother, Danny Cockrell; three sisters-in-law, Ann Goodnow, Margie Hunninghake, and Beth Goodin; a brother-in-law, Jim Hayes; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will occur at a later date.  Memorial contributions may be made to Mission Southside and sent c/o Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, P.O. Box 64, Baldwin City, KS 66006. Condolences may be sent to the family through www.lamb-roberts.com.

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