Juanita M. (Thomas) Hayes, 96, of Festus died Feb. 3, 2026. Mrs. Hayes was a resident of Arnold for most of her life and later moved to Festus. She enjoyed spending winters with her husband in Florida during their retirement years. An expert in applique quilting, she also loved caring for her pets and tending to her flower gardens. Mrs. Hayes was born on Aug. 16, 1929.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years: James E. “Jim” Hayes.
She is survived by three sons: Thomas E. (Kathy) Hayes of Arnold, Kenneth J. (Sharon) Hayes of Bloomsdale and Gary L. (the late Terry) Hayes of Festus; six grandchildren: Charles (Deana) Hayes, Beki (David) Perschbacher, Kelly (Marcus) Genova, Jesse (Courtney) Hayes, James Hayes and Michael Hayes; and many great-grandchildren.
Visitation is scheduled from 9 a.m. until services at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 13, at Kutis South County Chapel, 5255 Lemay Ferry, in St. Louis County. Burial will be in the National Cemetery at Jefferson Barracks. Arrangements are under the direction of Kutis South County Chapel.