Melda Hayes

Melda Hayes, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and formerly of Cornell, died May 24, 2024.

Melda was born in the Town of Birch Creek, near Holcombe, Aug. 27, 1930.

She was the seventh of eight children born to Henry Edward and Mary Ann Smith.

Melda lived and grew up on her family’s farm, until the age of 12. Because all her brothers went into the service during World War II, her father moved Melda, her mother and younger sister into Cornell, in 1942.

By the age of 17, both of her parents had passed away, and she lived with her brothers and their wives.

Melda met and married the love of her life, George Hayes, in 1950. They moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, in 1956, and there, they raised their family of three girls and one son.

Over the years, Melda was a housewife, and a cook at several area nursing homes and schools. She was very active in her church and truly lived out her Christian faith.

She is survived by her daughters – Diane Wahl and Traci Hayes; son – Wayne; several grandchildren; greatgrandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband – George; daughter – Linda; parents; two sisters – Mable Kohls and Delores Helland; and five brothers – Landis, Lester, Louis, Loyal, who was killed in World War II, and Leon.

Melda was a loving wife, mother and friend. she was an inspiration to all who knew her and she will be truly missed.