JoVeta J. Hayes

JoVeta Hayes peacefully passed away at the age of 90, at the Sagecrest Care Center in San Angelo. She was born on March 16, 1933, in Rankin, Texas to Hazel Green Yocham and Lavada Beatrice Buchanan Yocham. She grew up in Rankin, where she attended school. JoVeta embodied the spirit of a hardworking and resilient Texan throughout her life.
 
While attending San Angelo College, she met Kenneth Hayes, and they married on June 21, 1952, in Rankin. JoVeta's journey took her from the West Texas communities of Rankin, El Paso, Lubbock and San Angelo, and finally to Water Valley.  It was there that she and her husband established their home and raised their family. He preceded her in death on October 24, 2017.
 
 JoVeta worked in many occupations throughout the years, including the Department of Transportation, San Angelo State School, and Water Valley ISD. During the years her children were in school, she attended all their activities and supported them in their many endeavors.  
 
 Beyond the professional realm, JoVeta's gentle soul thrived in the joys of nature. Whether she was tending to her bountiful garden, harvesting and canning the freshest vegetables, or spending cherished moments with her family at their Lake Buchanan retreat, her love for the outdoors was evident. Her talent as a seamstress also shone through, with her skilled hands creating beautiful garments for her family.
 
 JoVeta's remarkable life was not free from sorrow. The loss of her brother, Ted Yocham, and sister, Christine Yocham Day, weighed heavily on her heart. Tragically, she also experienced the indescribable pain of losing her grandson, Aaron Peel, in 2010. Yet, through it all, JoVeta's strength remained unyielding.
 
 She is survived by her children, Wade and Cindy Hayes of Christoval, Renee and Ken Peel of San Angelo, Ronda and Marty Sedden of Bronte and Brad and Tricia Hayes of Water Valley; grandchildren, Greg (Heather) Hayes, Colin (Tashana) Hayes, Jeremy (Stephanie) Hayes, Amye (Michael) Cobb, Brandy Sedden, Tamara (Cody) Harris, Cody (Kelsi) Sedden, Kelsey Williams, Ethan (Whitney) Sedden and Kenna Hayes; numerous great-grandchildren; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Bonnie and Andy Smith; several nieces and nephews.
 
 As we gather to honor JoVeta's life, a visitation will take place on February 16, 2024, at 1:00 pm at Water Valley Baptist Church, 15905 Spring Avenue, Water Valley, Texas 76958.  Following the visitation, a funeral service will be held at the same location at 2:00 pm, with Pastor Randy Levens officiating.  It will be a time of reflection and celebration, as we fondly remember the vibrant spirit and enduring love that JoVeta shared with us all.  She will be laid to rest next to her husband in the Water Valley Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Greg Hayes, Colin Hayes, Jeremy Hayes, Andy Smith, Jr., Clayton Smith, Will Smith, Ross Smith.