Elaine Hayes, age 88, of Stockton, IL passed away Friday, August 21, 2026 at her home. She was born in Freeport, IL on August 28, 1937 to the late Vernon and Ruth (Vanderheyden) Kehl. Elaine married Donald Hayes on November 20, 1953 in Stockton. Donald passed away January 15, 2014.

Elaine was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Stockton. She enjoyed quilting, gardening, flowers, and spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She is survived by her sons, William (Jocelyn) Hayes and Daniel (Janice) Hayes; her daughter, Patricia (Dale) Wampfler; her grandchildren, Carey (Jonathan) Yowell, Emily (Zachary Bales) Hayes, Ben (Jacqueline) Hayes, Nick (Amanda) Hayes, Jacob Hayes, Michelle (Aaron) Gaber, Marcie (Jeff Brewer) Elliott, Katie (Andy) Libberton, Bryan Wampfler, Kayla Wampfler, Brandon (Mary Beth) Wampfler, Ashlynne Wampfler and Heather (Jesse) Hayes; her 18 great grandchildren; several grand dogs; her sister, Betty Gahm; and her sister-in-law Janice Kehl. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her son, Michael; and her brother, William Kehl.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Stockton at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established.