Bessie Lee Hayes

Bessie Lee Hayes (nee Smith), of Saint Charles, MO, passed away Sunday, August 10, 2025 at the age of 90. Beloved wife of the late Denis “Denny” Hayes; cherished daughter of Marion and Bernice Smith; devoted mother of Teresa G. (Charles) DeGuire the late Michael Dean (Mary) Hood, and Jo-Anna (John) Moscati; and stepmother of Jeff (Kim) Hayes, Ann Evans and Thomas (Sara) Hayes; loving grandmother of 14; treasured great-grandma to many; dear sister of John Smith, the late Vernon Smith and the late Edward Smith.

Bessie was an active member of Calvary Church and enjoyed helping with the kids at summer camp. She was exceptionally organized, loved cleaning, and found joy in creating order. A beloved teacher, she touched countless lives, with many former students still keeping in touch, grateful for the positive influence she had on them. She genuinely loved teaching and making a difference. Bessie enjoyed traveling with her husband Denny, and music, which spoke to her soul and brought her happiness. Deeply devoted to her family, she was actively involved with her grandchildren and took great pride in caring for her loved ones. Fun-loving and full of life, she enjoyed playing sports with Denny as part of a senior league. Bessie was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Memorials may be made in Bessie's name to SSM Hospice.