Kenneth Lynn Hayes

     Kenneth Lynn Hayes, age 83, of Ithaca, MI, passed away Thursday, June 18, 2026, at his home.
     Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes Ithaca, MI, on Tuesday June 23, 2026, at 11:00 A.M., with his nephews: Conrad Hayes and Ryan Hayes officiating. Burial will take place at Ithaca Cemetery, Ithaca, MI. Visitation will be held on Monday, June 22, 2026, from 2-8 P.M. with the family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at the funeral home.
     Ken was born in Ithaca, Michigan on May 29, 1943, the son of Fred and Bernice (Durfee) Hayes. He graduated from Ithaca High School with the Class of 1962. Ken married Sharon Kay Hoffer, on July 1, 1967, at Ithaca Church of God, Ithaca, MI. They were blessed with 57 years of marriage, prior to Sharon's passing on January 26, 2024.
     Ken was proud to care for the centennial family farm that he was born and raised on. In his earlier years he helped his dad do cement work in Ithaca for several buildings, including the bell at the North School. He retired from United Airlines as a customer service agent in 1998. Ken enjoyed trips to Saulte Ste. Marie, the Mackinac area, and putting model airplanes & cars together. His grandchildren held a special place in his heart, and he never hesitated to lend a helping hand or offer his time and care. No matter what they needed, he was always there. Ken proudly served his country in the United States Army National Guard and was called up to active duty in the Detroit Riots in 1967. He was a past member of the Ithaca VFW.
     He is survived by his son Troy (Kimberly) Hayes, daughter Julie Hayes, and daughter Laurie Little; and six grandchildren: Cameron, Kaitlyn (Holden), Emilee, Mary, Andrew, and Alexander. He is also survived by his sister Rosalie Davis, brother Richard (Cathy) Hayes and brother-in-law Miles (Pat) Hoffer. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Sharon, infant son Scott, in-laws Harley and Dorothy Hoffer, siblings: Vincent Hayes, Carol Boyle, Lois Lott-Sherwood, Freeda Brownridge, Laurel Kaye Husted, Terry Hayes and 2 infant siblings.
     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Maple View Retirement Community, Ithaca Senior Activity Building or to Ithaca Church of God. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.