Ralph Martin Hayes went to be with the Lord on Nov. 29, 2020. Ralph was born May 27, 1936 in Binghamton, the youngest child of Marion Earl Hayes and Teresa Wittling Hayes. He graduated from Sidney High School in 1955.
Ralph was a hard working man and spent many years with Amphenol in Sidney, Jess Howes Building Supply and the Sidney schools. He had a heart of service and was always ready to volunteer and to help those in need; helping others brought him great joy. Ralph spent many years volunteering at Maywood Historical Group, the Sidney Historical Association, delivering mail at UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital and at the Pink Door in Norwich.
Ralph enjoyed carpentry and was Mr. Fix-it! He loved to laugh and is remembered for many corny “Ralphisms” that always brought a smile. He loved his family and was happiest when surrounded by those he loved. He loved music and loved to sing. He was also a huge fan of ice cream and desserts. A man devoted to God, Ralph worshipped at Sidney Center Methodist Church, Circle Drive Alliance in Sidney and Agape Baptist Church in Norwich.
Ralph married Neila Carroll Hodges in the Sidney Center Methodist Church in 1958. Neila predeceased him in 2015. They had three children: Lori (David) Hayes Hess of Norwich, Jim (Diane) Hayes of New Berlin and Paul (Dean Carlson) Hayes of Key West, Fla. Ralph has six grandchildren: Steven Hayes, Jorge (Kayla) Roberts, Andrew (Hannah) Hayes, Brittany Hayes, Christina Hayes and CJ (Rachel) Hayes, and six great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his two sisters, Jeannine Hornbeck and Elaine Van Gorden.
Memorial services will be scheduled in spring. His ashes will be interred at Highland Cemetery in Sidney Center. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Maywood Historical Group, 66 Maywood Lane, Sidney Center, NY 13839 in Ralph’s memory.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Wilson Funeral Home, Norwich. To leave the family a message of condolence, visit www.wilsonfh.com.
