Melda Hayes, 93

In May 2024, at the age of 93, Melda Hayes left this earth to be with Jesus, her Lord and Savior.

She is survived by a son and two daughters, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, George, and a daughter. She was born in Wisconsin and was the seventh of eight children and was the last surviving of her siblings. She loved her children and grandchildren more than anything.

Melda was a homemaker for most of her life, raising her four children. Later, she had a job as a cafeteria worker at Coeur d’Alene High School and worked in two different Coeur d’Alene nursing homes in the kitchens.  

She loved cooking and preparing meals for her family and loved entertaining family friends for dinners at their home. She also loved cooking meals for the high school students and loved cooking for the residents at the nursing homes. Melda was well known for her pastries, cookies, pies and desserts but most famous for her cinnamon rolls, which she loved to bake and share. Everything she baked was made with love.

Melda was a devoted Christian. She and her husband, George, were members of the church of the Nazarene. Melda was a member for 70 years! Melda never knew a stranger. She made friends with the nurses at her doctor’s offices, sharing recipes. She made friends with the teller at the bank, bringing flowers when she saw a need. She was friends with cashiers, receptionists and, last but not least, all her neighbors. She was friendly and easy to love. As she got older, she would keep in touch with people by phone, and many friends would come to visit her.

Melda always encouraged family and friends to see the positive side of everything and was quick to offer prayer to everyone. She will be greatly missed by so many.