Zena Pearl Hayes (Buffalo)'s Obituary
Zena Pearl Hayes, daughter of the late Odas and Myrtle (Jackson) Swanigan, was born on July 18, 1933 in Leadmine, MO and went to be with her Lord and Savior on November 16, 2025 at her daughter’s home near Buffalo, MO. At the time of her passing she was 92 years, three months, and 27 days of age. Zena was raised and attended school in the Leadmine and Jake’s Creek, Missouri area. She was saved at the age of 14 in a little white schoolhouse and was baptized in Jake’s Creek. She was united in marriage to Jimmie Hayes on December 23, 1951 and to this union three children were born, one of whom survives her. Zena worked in the school cafeteria for many years. She enjoyed gardening, looking after her flowers, and watching the hummingbirds and other birds out the window. Zena was preceded in death by her husband Jimmie; her parents; one son, Wayne Hayes; one daughter, Nancy Canon; and five siblings, Albert Swanigan, Pauline Hayes, June Sutton, Cecil Swanigan, and Lloyd Swanigan. She is survived by her daughter Lola & husband Brian Ainley of Buffalo, MO; seven grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; one brother, Sydney & wife Opal Swanigan; two sisters, Linda Dryer and Jewel & husband Don Dryer; one son-in-law, Allen Canon; and one daughter-in-law, Brenda Stephens. She also leaves other family members and many friends who will all truly miss her. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 in the Cantlon-Otterness & Viets Funeral Home with Pastor Mark Elliott officiating. Escorts will be Adam Ainley, Russ Patrick, Grant Ainley, David Turner, Thomas Poynter, Jesse Smith, and Tyler Terrell. Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Wednesday at the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Calvary Chapel Members in Need.
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