Lorelee (Daily) Hayden, age 70 of Hutchinson, KS peacefully passed away on Monday, February 5, 2024, surrounded by loving family. Lorelee was born on March 7, 1953, in Hays, KS. She was the third of five girls, Debby, Peggy, Lorelee, Karla and Marla, born to Harold and Maynetta Daily and was raised on a farm southeast of Ellis, KS.
At a very young age, it became clear that Lorelee was Maynetta and Grandma Younger's " little helper". While some of the other sisters wanted to be outside helping Harold, riding horses, or just plain getting dirty, Lorelee always volunteered instead to stay in the house to help clean, cook meals, learn to sew clothes with Mom or just be of any help. All the girls attended Catholic School, and because Grandma talked about the wonderful love of God and was a perfect example of prayer and devotion, Marla and Debby remembered feeling that they, including Lorelee, wanted to become nuns. Grandma’s influence is still felt in our lives.
Karla recalls how she would get in wrestling matches with Lorelee and always get beat because Lorelee had such long, leans legs and would get those legs wrapped around Karla so tight that she couldn’t wiggle free. Peggy said Lorelee was her best friend in high school and they hung out together every chance they could; but, if they ever got in trouble with mom and dad it was usually Peggy’s idea and Lorelee just went along with big sister.
Lorelee graduated from Ellis High School in 1971, where she fondly remembers lifelong friends she made, the school plays she was in, honors she received in track and other activities, and she especially loved being a cheerleader and cheering on her classmates.
Lorelee went on to attend Hutchinson Jr. College and it was there that she met William “Bill” Hayden. On their first date he pulled up in a bright red corvette. She told family members it was love at first sight...for the car...and Bill. Bill and Lorelee were married and made their home in Hutchinson, KS. Two much loved boys were born to this union. Michael Hayden was born on November 14, 1977, followed by Jeff Hayden born on May 14,1980. Lorelee had been working in the Administration Office at Krogers but when the boys were born, Lorelee devoted all her time to caring for her boys until they reached school age. Once they were settled in school, Lorelee returned to work at Krogers and retired there after 20+ years.
Because of her love for family, Lorelee and Bill would often get together with her parents and sisters to make sure that the boys would grow up knowing and spending time with cousins Becky, Rocky, Grady and Scott and other family members. Sometimes the noise and chaos was overwhelming for the adults, but the kids sure had a good time.
Lorelee will be deeply missed by her adoring family and all who had the privilege of knowing her. She is survived by sons Michael Hayden and grandchildren Abbott, Miles, and Fear; and Jeffrey Hayden; sisters Debby (Rick) Holman and children Becky and Rocky; Aidyn Holman; Peggy Daily; Karla (Mike) Whitmore and children Alexandra, Shane and Shadd; Marla (Kevin) Homburg and daughter Abbey (Charlie) Steiben and their son Griffen; Aunt Judy (Tom) Smith and sons Grady and Scott. She is preceded in death by husband William “Bill” Hayden, Bill's parents, Martin and Leona Hayden and Maynetta and Harold Daily.
Parish rosary will be 10 am Thursday, February 15, 2024, at St. Teresa Catholic Church, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may call from 9 am to 8 pm Wednesday at Elliott Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to, an educational fund for Lorelee’s grandchildren or Trinity Catholic High School, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.