Virginia Theadora Hayes

The family of Virginia Theadora Hayes is deeply saddened to announce her passing on September 11, 2026, at her home in Caldwell, Idaho. Virginia, age 87, was surrounded by her family and passed peacefully after a long battle with Lewy body dementia.

Virginia was born on September 26, 1938, to Theodore Argetus and Margaret Moulton. During her younger years, Virginia lived in Italy and Germany before her family returned to Idaho. She later attended Nampa High School, where she graduated in 1956.

Virginia married Eugene F. Hayes Sr. on June 23, 1957. Together, Eugene and Virginia shared 68 years of marriage and built a life centered around their family, faith, and farming. They raised their six children on the family farm at Deer Flat, south of Nampa, before moving to Caldwell in 1978.

Virginia's Catholic faith was an important and enduring part of her life. She devoted herself to her faith and her family and demonstrated that devotion throughout her life. She cared for the grotto dedicated to the Virgin Mary at the old St. Mary's Catholic Church in Caldwell and participated in adoration, first at St. Paul's and later at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church.

Above all, Virginia's life was devoted to her family. She treasured her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and the love she gave them will remain an important part of her legacy. She will forever be remembered by those who loved her as "everyone's favorite grandma."

Virginia's family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to her longtime caregiver, Julie Saunders, for the compassion, dedication, and loving care she provided to Virginia over the years. The family would also like to thank Idaho Home Health and Hospice for the care and support they provided to Virginia and her family during the final chapter of her life.

Virginia was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Eugene; her daughter, Ginger; her sons, Jim and Shawn; and her brother, George Baldridge.

She is survived by her son, Eugene Hayes Jr.; her daughters, Dana Wheeler and Georgia Shetler; and her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who will carry forward her memory, her love of family, and the faith that guided her throughout her life.

A Rosary will be held at 9:00 am on Monday, Sept 21, 2026 at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, followed by a Funeral Mass at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church at 10:00 am. A graveside service will follow at Canyon Hill Cemetery in Caldwell, Idaho.

Virginia's family takes comfort in knowing that a life so deeply rooted in faith and filled with love for her family leaves a legacy that will endure for generations.

May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.