Donna June Hayes passed away December 5, 2013, in Grand Rapids. Donna was born May 7, 1929 in Grand Rapids to Maynard and Carrie Ford. She moved to White Cloud with her family and graduated from White Cloud High School in 1947. She then went to Grand Rapids Community College and was employed by MESC. Donna met Ralph Hayes at a YWCA dance in Grand Rapids. They were married July 21, 1951 and lived in Ann Arbor while Ralph completed his law degree at U of M. They returned to Grand Rapids and later moved to Thompsonville, Connecticut, where Ralph worked for Traveler’s Insurance. In 1969 they pursued their dream of living in Key West where Donna became well-known for her oil painting talent. Donna was a professional artist, who spent many years immersed in the beauty of Key West, Florida, documenting its historic architecture and landscapes. Her collection of blue ribbons and Best-in-Show awards from nationally recognized art festivals attest to her remarkable skills in her chosen field. Her paintings are in private art collections across the country and in Europe. Donna was also an intrepid traveler and adventurer, who loved the excitement of finding and visiting exotic locales with her husband Ralph. The couple returned to Grand Rapids in 1985 where they have remained since retirement. Donna and Ralph were life partners for 62 years and he survives her. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Jeff Ford (Judy) and Jim Peck (Doris), and sister Carol (Jim) Dougan. In addition to Ralph, Donna is survived by a sister, Pat (Earl) Babcock, cousin Judy Plummer and several nieces and nephews. Visitation Monday 12-2 p.m. at Roth-Gerst Chapel, 305 N. Hudson, Lowell, Michigan. Graveside service to follow at Alton Cemetery.
