Carol (Wood) Hayes

2/4/1939 – 1/1/2026

Carol was born in Stratton Nebraska to Howard and Velma Wood at the family home. She attended a one-room country schoolhouse with 5 students and one teacher from 1st to 8th grade. In 1953, the family moved to Walla Walla WA. She attended Walla Walla High School graduating in 1957 where she also met the love of her life Loren Dale Hayes (class of '55).

Carol & Dale were married in Walla Walla in 1958 after Dale returned from the Marine Corps and they moved to the Tri-Cities in 1959.

Carol was a stay-at-home mom and operated a home daycare until Dale went to finish his college degree at EWU and Carol worked there while he attended. After graduation, they eventually returned to the Tri-Cities area where she went to work as an Administrative Secretary with Battelle and after 25 years she retired in 1994.

Carol was known for her green thumb, her love of backyard squirrels/birds, her excellent organizational skills, inquisitive nature and fierce devotion to her family. She also loved her cat, Sassy, who was the apple of her eye.

She is survived by husband Dale of 67 years - her best friend, sweetheart and great companion. Also survived by her daughters - Lauri Hayes-Collins-Cousineau of Kennewick WA, Kathleen Hayes of Richland WA, Marianne (Patrick) Goble of Kennewick WA and Kay (Barry) Subbert of Rogers AR. Grandchildren - Nick, Wade and Brianna of Kennewick WA. Sisters - Sandra (Jerry) Chalupa Gladstone OR and Marie (Butch) Carter Boise ID. Brother-in-law Jerry (Kacky) Hayes, Salem OR. Carol was preceded in death by both parents.