Greta Hayes Obituary

Dear Jack,

The loss of Greta has left a huge hole in our lives as we know it has in the lives of your family. We have so many wonderful memories of the fun times we had with you two. Amoung the millions of laughs one I don't think I mentioned in your anniversary book was the time we were at the beach in Del Mar and you and Greta had taken a walk along the beach. When you came back I said to Dick, "Look at Greta." She had so many shells in the pockets of her sweater that the pockets were banging on her knees. Our times with you two were always filled with laughter and love. We thank you for being so generous with your visits.

We are keeping both of you in our memories and you and your family in our prayers.

Love, Helen and Dick

Dear Jack and Family,

I know our treasured memories of Dear Greta will help us all, in so many ways!!



Ruthie Olson

One of "The Girls"

We are sorry to hear of Greta's passing. I remeber the many conversation on the front lawn or in the street when we would see you in passing by the house. She was a wonderful women. You will all be in our prayers and heart.



Jim,Dawn,Eric, Kerri & Aaliyah

Dear Jack, Patt, Mike and all--

Greta was such a vibrant part of our family. When I remarried in a very small ceremony in 2002, with both my parents gone, it was Jack and Greta that I wanted to see representing my family when I looked out at the chapel. Her smile lit the room, and her laugh delighted all the guests! I, too, remember her Christmas trees, and the fact that since the age of 3 I was "Linda Miff" in her book. Fred & I, and Sean and Ellen, have you all in our thoughts and prayers.

I was saddened to hear of Greta's light leaving us last week. I'll always remember her knack at creating the most fabulus, full and interesting Christmas tree I've ever seen...not to mention her delight in explaining the various meanings, or finds that it held. And, of course her wonderful laugh and love of family and friends. May the memories keep Jack, Patt & family and Mike & family, as well as all her friends and those she touched.

Dear Jack, Patt, Mike and families,

I don't have any very humourous or overly poignant stories of Greta to relate but I would like to add a small memory to this collection. I met Greta and Jack in 1980, shortly after the early and unexpected passing of Dr. Champion(their former dentist).

After the first visit I knew these people were different. I was amazed at how upbeat and positive they both were, especially after the long drawn-out battle that Jack had with Chrohn's. Over the next several years and quite a few dental visits,I might add, I grew to know Greta as a very special person who never took anything or anyone for granted. She loved life and her outlook was contagious. We would have wonderful conversations ranging from family and friends to nature to current events. I learned of her love for birds and Christmas decorations, travel and movies, and of course her family and friends (the girls).

In 1985 my wife and I were blessed with the arrival of our son, Matthew. One day when Greta had a dental appointment, I called my wife and had her bring the baby in. Greta held Matthew in her arms and just fawned over him for a good half hour. I'm sure that our son could feel the love that she always radiated because he smiled at her for a long time and then peacefully feel asleep in her arms. She just loved children and would always ask of the welfare of ours.

Many years have past since that day. Matthew will be a college sophomore in the fall and Greta saw him from time to time. But she would always comment on how she held him in her arms when he was only a few weeks old and didn't it seem like it was just yesterday.

I don't know if I ever believed in angels or not, but Greta, who was your wife or your mom, your grandmother or your friend, was truly an angel in my eyes. I believe.



Love always,

Gary, JoAnne, Matthew and Lyndsay Gunkel

Jack:



Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Greta will be remembered for her great sence of humor and love for her family and friends. God Bless.



Bob & Barb Swanson

Dear Jack and family, Even though we had known for a while that Greta's leaving us was inevitable, it still came as a very large blow.

We always enjoyed being with Greta and Jack and I (Lu) felt very privileged to be included as one of "the girls" because both Jim & Margene were classmates of Greta. The Maine group will remember that she made a very great impression when she arrived at MTHS and was loved by all.

Greta was a very special lady, who made us laugh and was also a very well-read and intelligent person who tried to keep the rest of us informed. All of us tried to reciprocate as well.

We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.

Love, Jim & Lu

Dear Jack, Patt, Mike and families,

I am sad for Greta's passing but comforted to remember her lively presence at family gatherings, and most especially her great laugh. I hope your memories will sustain you in life-affirming celebration of Greta, even as you grieve her. What a wonderful, loving woman she was.

Gail

Jack:



I am so sorry to hear about Greta. You will be in my prayers.



Arline Moore

Dear Jack, Patt, Mike and families,

Our sympathies are with our and you are in our prayers and thoughts. For some silly reason not remembered we used to call Greta, Bertha Krepp. I remember when she actually signed a card that way our whole family just howled. May the good memories get you through this.

Jack,

My heartfelt sympathy on your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time

My deepest sympathy to Jack, Patt and her family, Mike and his family. What a treasure we have lost. Greta will live on in our fondest memories.

Jack,

Our thoughts & prayers are with you and your family.

Barb & Mike Gleeson