Dolores E. Hayden, 93, of Rochester, was surrounded by her loving family when she passed away at her home in the afternoon of September 4, 2022.
On March 21, 1929, Dolores Elaine Anderson was born in Fulton County near Leiters Ford. She grew up in northern Miami County and graduated from Macy High School with her class in 1946.
In Indianapolis, on February 10, 1946 Dolores married Mr. Jack William Hayden. They enjoyed 59 years of life's adventures. From their union came three wonderful children Melinda, Jack and Mark. The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of three more generations.
In the earlier years Dolores worked at Wiles Department Store as a central processing clerk. She also created eye-catching window designs, placing the trending fashions, clothing the mannequins in the window for all to admire. Later she worked as a bookkeeper with the McMahon - O'Connor Construction Company.
An accomplished seamstress, Dolores made many things including wedding dresses for special members of her family. She also enjoyed annually planting flowers to add color and enhance the landscape of her home. On two occasions she was awarded "Gardener of the Month" from our local Garden Club for the beautiful gardens that surrounded her home. Dolores enjoyed watching sports on TV. She was always cheering for her favorite teams including the Indianapolis Colts, Chicago Cubbies and Notre Dame football.
As the matriarch of the Hayden family, Grandma Dolores was proud to oversee five generations. From her kitchen command post she made with lots of love their favorite foods on request including banana nut bread, potato salad and the most amazing chocolate chip cookies. She was always there for her grands, the great-grands following their school activities and sporting events. Grandma Dolores looked forward to special family celebrations and getting together for the holidays.
Left to cherish Dolores' memory are her three children: Melinda (Bill) Burkett of Rochester, Jack (Karla) Hayden of Mentone and Mark Hayden of Rochester; seven Grandchildren: Jamie (Melissa) Hayden, Crissa (Ray) Fruits, Gretchen (Erik) Murphy, Mark (Misti) Hayden Jr., Andrea (Mike) Harpe, Mandy (Jeff) Butcher, Allison (Sam) Fry; 15 Great-Grandchildren; a Great-Great-Grandson; and a brother Jackie (Donna) Anderson of Logansport.
Welcoming Dolores to Heaven are her parents, beloved husband Jack, infant son Gary Hayden, sister Joanne Albright and a daughter-in-law Gail Hayden.
A celebration of the life of Mrs. Dolores E. Hayden will be on Friday, September 9th at 11:00 AM, in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th Street, Rochester, IN 46975.
Her family will receive friends an hour prior to her services. Pastor Mike VanHeyningen will officiate.
Burial will follow at the Rochester IOOF Cemetery.
Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made in Dolores name to the First Christian Church, 1101 Madison Street, Rochester, IN 46975.
