Linda HAYES Obituary

HAYES, Linda Lou of Tampa, FL, died January 21, 2021, in Tampa. Her warmth, beautiful smile, gentle spirit and the way she loved out loud have left a forever imprint on the lives of her family and friends. She will be greatly missed. The foundations of Linda's life were faith and family. Linda may have been small, but she had a huge impact on the lives she touched. She was a light bearer of Jesus. She loved her Lord dearly and served Him as a Stephen's minister, on prayer team and as a Life Group leader at her church. Life was important to Linda, she volunteered at the Crisis Pregnancy Center, counseling moms-to-be on how precious life is. Linda studied God's word through both Bible Study Fellowship and served as a Community Bible Study and Executive Bible Study group leader. A prayer warrior, she spent many hours before the Lord interceding for family and friends. Linda is survived by her husband of 60 years, Don Hayes; four children, Michele (Matt) Oravec, Sharon (John) Riley, Diane (Ron) McCall and Don Hayes II. She is survived by 11 grandchildren, Cynthia Orozco, Rosalinda Orozco, Diane Orozco, Michael Orozco, Danielle Orozco, JonKing Orozco, Bobby Riley, Rebecca Riley, Samuel Riley, George McCall and Don Hayes III; and five great-grandchildren. The daughter of William Slocum VanGeem and Genevieve (Sherly) VanGeem, Linda was the fourth of seven children. She was preceded in death by Janet VanGeem, Judith Bond, James VanGeem and Gary VanGeem. She is survived by Ruth Smith of Zephyrhills, FL and Robin (John) Barbato of Erie, PA. Linda was a devoted, loving wife. She and Don traveled the world with his career and later served world leaders through Christian Embassy in Washington, DC. Finding another way to love God's children, Linda and Don support an orphanage, church and school in Uganda. An incredible mother, Linda has been the glue that kept the family bonds strong. Her dearest wish remains that the family maintain relationships with each other. Linda always had time for her children and grandchildren and was truly happy when all were together. A private committal service will take place at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL. A Celebration of Life will be held February 26, 2022, 3 pm, at Tampa Palm Golf and Country Club, Tampa, FL 33613. Sunset Funeral Home and Memory Gardens, Thonotosassa, FL, is handling arrangements. Please share memories and condolences at www.sunsetmemory.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be directed to Crisis Pregnancy Centers, @surrenderingthesecret.com or Real Church Uganda, @TRCUganda.org.