Thank you to each of you who have followed my mother’s blog. Your interactions have been rewarding to her in so many ways. We pray that her words ministered to each of you. We know that in her heart, her intentions were always from love. So let this be a farewell since she is now dancing in Heaven with Jesus. – Roger Hayes and the Hayes Family.
In Loving Memory of Oneta Hayes
Oneta Hayes, a beloved pillar of our community and a devoted Christian, passed away on January 4, 2024. She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and kindness that will forever be etched in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her.
Born on January 24, 1934, in Springfield, Colorado, Oneta dedicated her life to serving others with a selfless and compassionate spirit. Her unwavering faith in God was the cornerstone of her existence, and she lived each day guided by the teachings of love, grace, and forgiveness. Oneta was a shining example of Christian virtues, and her presence was a source of comfort and inspiration to all who crossed her path.
A dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Oneta’s family was the center of her world. She showered them with boundless love, imparting wisdom and strength that will continue to resonate through generations. Her home was a haven of warmth and laughter filled with love.
In addition to her devotion to family, Oneta was a member of The Bridge and Baptist Heights churches in Mustang, Oklahoma, where she served in various capacities, sharing her talents and spreading the message of God’s love. Her commitment to the church community touched the lives of many, and her absence will be deeply felt.
Oneta’s legacy extends beyond her immediate circle, as she touched countless lives with her acts of kindness, generosity, and genuine concern for others. Her impact on the community is immeasurable, and her memory will be cherished by those who were fortunate enough to call her a friend.
Oneta was born in Springfield, Colorado to J.S. “Pete” Rodgers and Cleda Amy Riddle Rodgers on January 24, 1934. She attended Southwestern Bible College, Lamar Junior College, Adams State College, Bethany Nazarene, and American Christian Collete & Seminary. She married Samuel Hayes on July 5, 1953, in Springfield, Colorado. She worked as an educator from 1965 until 1987. She obtained her doctorate in theology May 7, 2005. She participated in extensive community service projects to include CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocate for children, Toastmasters, street ministry and so much more.
Oneta is proceeded in death by her parents, Pete & Amy Rodgers, Sister Verna Rodgers Clark, brother and sister-in-law Clyde & Lavada Rodgers, brother-in-law Tom Crawford.
Oneta is survived by her husband of 70 years Samuel Hayes; son Carl Hayes and his wife Vicky Hayes of Ada, Oklahoma; son Roger Hayes and his wife ReNee Hayes of Mustang, Oklahoma; sister Karen Rodgers Crawford of Chickasha, Oklahoma; Grandchildren: Daniel Hayes, David Hayes and wife Oriana, Mandy Ivy and husband Lynn Ivy, Kristina Anderson and husband Josh Anderson, Alayna Hayes, Pete Hayes, Bryce Moss, Blake Moss, and Katrina Moss. Great-Grandchildren: Darien Hayes wife Michala, Johnny Beverly, Zoe Hayes, Jadalyn Towell, Ashlyn Towell, Ali Anderson, Addalyn Anderson, Kenlyn Anderson, Kingsley Moss, Sebastian Moss. Great-Great-Grandson: Oliver Hayes
A memorial service will be held at The Bridge Church in Mustang, Oklahoma, Friday January 12, 2024, at 2 p.m. with Pastor Ken Isom officiating. A burial and additional memorial service will follow soon in Campo, Colorado.
As we mourn the loss of Oneta, let us also celebrate the life she lived—a life filled with love, faith, and service. May her example inspire us to embrace compassion, strengthen our faith, and live with the same grace that she exemplified throughout her remarkable journey.
Oneta Hayes will be deeply missed but never forgotten. May her soul rest in eternal peace, and may her legacy continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew her.
Sweet aroma 
Ohhh I am so sorry to hear that our sweet Oneta has passed on. She was wonderfully encouraging and one of the nicest people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting here on WordPress. Here’s a poem I once wrote for her. May she rest in peace… ❤️
My friend Oneta…
Oh sweet Oneta
You are such a dear
Whenever you’re around
You bring such cheer
I always feel blessed
By everything you say
And the joy you bring to others
Never seems to fade away
You’re a gift from God
A rare gem in this life
Seeking to help others
And take away their strife
Thank you my friend
For showing me God’s love
I truly believe
You were sent from heaven above
Written by, Michelle Cook
I loved your mother as she was more than just a friend or teacher here in blog land.
Oneta reached out to me during a very difficult time-her wisdom, support and love went beyond our mere humanness to being that of God’s pure grace expressed by that of His faithful servant. I know she is joyful being home and I feel I now have a dear angel even closer than I did here on WordPress— thank you for sharing her— love to the entire family!
I love that Oneta is “dancing with Jesus!” Although I never met her face to face, I was one of those bloggers/readers who felt we knew her personally. She was such an encouragement and inspiration, serving the Lord with her writing (and apparently a lot of other things) for as long as she lived. I pray I can do the same. Then someday, I’ll join her and Jesus in that glorious dance, and we’ll laugh and tell our “God stories” throughout eternity. ❤ Goodbye for now, dear sister.
Rest in Peace, Oneta! My sincere condolences to her family. She was a force here in the blogging world–a force for good and for Jesus. Glad she’s sitting at his table now!
Condolences to your family.
My thoughts are with you and all her family and friends! Felt blessed to know her here in blogland! A sweet presence she was, and her love for God shined through! ❤️
Yes and amen: Oneta “leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and kindness that will forever be etched in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her.”
May the Lord bless the entire Hayes family and all of those who knew Oneta. Thank you, Jesus, for her faithfulness and love.
Oneta left imprints on my heart that shall remain forever. Oh, happy day that she dances now with Jesus! But I shall mourn her passing until we gather together at His great banquet table, together. Many hugs sent to all of her family, during this time of sorrow.
I’m so very sorry for the family’s loss and she will definitely be missed. I enjoyed her post and looked forward to them. I will definitely miss her. God bless you and the family, I’m so sorry for your loss and looking forward to seeing her in the future…Robin
I am so heartbroken. During the last few years I had been constantly sparring with her, always in jest. She was such a wonderful friend and then suddenly I had the chance of a life time to meet her and her dear Sam personally in October of 2021 when we were driving across the country. I always used to tease her that when we met I would give her a bear hug which I did. We were supposed to drop-in and spend a few minutes before driving to Amarillo, TX. We ended up spending more than two hours. As we, me and my wife, were driving out she hold my hands and said that she would never be able to fight with me again, even in jest, as I am just a teddy bear. Will always cherish those couple of hours that we spent with her and Sam. My heart goes out to Sam and the family.
Go in peace partner. I know you will be in peace, you sweet soul. Shall miss you dearly.
So sorry to hear this news. Sending thoughts of condolence to you all. 💜
Oneta was a wonderful blogging friend. I’m so sorry for your loss!
Oneta was one of my favorites. Not only was she faith-filled, she had a sharp sense of humor that I always enjoyed. A visit from her at my blog always was a treat. I’ve missed her over the past months, and feared this day was coming, but I don’t fear for her. She’s home now, and no doubt continuing to love as she always did here.
So sorry to hear that Oneta has passed on. I’d been thinking of her a lot lately. I’m glad we met online here many years ago, probably from one of the challenges we did. I enjoyed reading her posts, so well written and enlightening. Her humor and her love for her blogging friends came shining through. She will be missed. ❤
She was a real light. I appreciated her caring attitude, her sincerity, and her spunky personality. She will be greatly missed.
What a blessing Oneta was to me and so many others. Since she had not posted in a while, I prayed she was doing well. So glad she is with Jesus now.
So very sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family.
Pat
Oneta was such a role model for so many people. Thank you for sharing her with us. Through her blogging, I gained so much wisdom and knowledge. She so obviously loved the Lord, her family and those she encountered during her years of teaching. May God bless all of you as you nurture her memory and look forward to the great banquet that awaits all those who trust in God.
She was such a good friend, even from far away! I was so blessed to have had a chance to get to know her. Can’t wait to see her again.
Very sorry for your loss.
Oneta was such a beautiful soul. Sincere condolences 🙏.
What a Christian woman, whose life made a difference in the kingdom of God. Thank you for sharing her life with us.
I have missed her, and wondered if she were still with us. I am so happy that she is where she longed to be! Thank you for letting us know. Praying for all her loved ones in their time of grief.
My condolences
In a sense I’m sad to read Oneta left me behind, but I thank God I not only got to know her through personal correspondence and this lovely blog but that we’ll meet up again with our Savior. Thank You, Jesus!
Rest well dear Mummy. We thank God for the years spent in this life. May she rest well in the bosom of the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
My condolences to the family.
My condolences to the family. Oneta was a dear friend and companion here in these blogs. She made me think, and that is one of the most priceless gifts. I will miss her.
My condolences to the family. Oneta was a kind and encouraging soul in our blogosphere. She will be greatly missed. My God’s grace and mercy rest upon her family.
Prayers for you and your family. I know since you are her daughter you know how special she is. God bless and comfort you.
Dear Roger,
I have followed your mother’s blog for some time and noticed that she had not posted recently. I went to obits in Oklahoma and found McNeil’s with one for Oneta Hayes. Figured that there are not many with that name and was going to contact them requesting how to contact her family, and thought I would send them a picture from her blog… and found this announcement. I hope you leave her blog here for some time as there are those who will find it and still be blessed by her words when they search one of her tags.
My heart goes out to you for the loss of your dear mother. She blessed me and encouraged me in many ways, both in emails and on her blog! Heaven is richer for our loss, and Oneta just gives me one more reason to want to get to Heaven sooner than later. I have been missing her here in the blogosphere but am happy to learn that she “graduated” with peace in her heart. I know that she shared that peace deeply with me and I look forward to seeing her around our Lord’s throne in the worshiping throng.
I miss her.
❤️&🙏, mr. c.a. post
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“Don’t be afraid of death; be afraid of an unlived life.” Angus Tuck, Tuck Everlasting
Roger, check out my reblog of your beautiful tribute to your mother.
God bless you all, c.a. post
https://capost2k.wordpress.com/2024/02/14/oneta-hayes-is-dancing-with-jesus/
Dear Roger, I have been following your mom’s blog since 2019. I paused from blogging and rejoined again and my first order of business was to check on her blog and found this. I am heartbroken but I know that she’s with the Lord. She’s truly made an impact. I am grateful to have known her through the internet. God bless!
Dear Roger,
She made a difference.
Prayers for comfort to you.
She’s gone home. ❤
I'll miss her. 💕🙏