Ann Sill Hayes

Ann Sill Hayes, 89, passed away on Sept. 20, 2024, in Shafter. Born on Sept. 24, 1934, in Bakersfield, she was a lifelong resident and grew up in the Sill family, a Kern County pioneer family in farming and ranching. She had fond memories of the Sill family and growing up on the ranch in Shafter and later moving to Bakersfield. She was the daughter of Benjamin and Frances Sill, and sister to Ben Sill.

Ann attended St. Francis Elementary School and graduated from Garces High School in 1953. After graduation, she continued her education at Dominican College in San Rafael. She married Robert Hayes and had four children. She considered herself a wife, homemaker and grandmother. She was proud of that part of her life and considered it an honor and privilege. Ann was employed at the Shafter Drug Store for 30 years. Her favorite part of the job was seeing and talking to the shoppers and residents of Shafter.

During her life, she was active with the Republican Central Committee and Republican Party. Spending time as a volunteer for the Shafter Police Department was her way of serving the Shafter community. Her duties included night patrol with a fellow officer, overseeing a high school football game and delivering important documents to county agencies in Bakersfield. She was proud to serve with the Shafter Police Department.

Ann was an involved volunteer at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Shafter and later in life with Christ the King Catholic Church. Her strong bonds with the members of the Ladies Guild, serving as a eucharistic minister and visiting the sick spoke to her love of the Catholic faith, which served as the anchor in her life. God was her loving friend, confessor and reason for knowing and loving the Catholic faith.

Ann is survived by her children, Kellie Hayes, Katie and her husband Doug Thompson, Tim and his wife Natasha Hayes, Ann Hayes-Stern (daughter-in-law); seven grandchildren, Leanne (Anthony), Jack (Analy), Gretchen (Mick), Traci (Jeff), Alex (Erin), Makenna (David) and Madelynn; 11 great grandchildren, Bethany, Julia, Christian, Grace, Fernanda, Ezri, Lincoln, Sage, Betty, Charlie and one on the way; niece Jennie; and nephews Ben and Scott. She was preceded in death by her son Gregory, parents, brother, and sister-in-law, Irene Sill.

Doughty-O'Meara of Bakersfield is assisting the family with arrangements. The viewing and rosary will be held on Friday, Oct. 11, at Christ the King Catholic Church beginning at 9 a.m., with the Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. followed by burial at Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Christ the King Catholic Church, adding the note: Restricted for Religious Education program.

Ann will be missed and remembered by her family as a loving and generous mom and Nana/Nani. She left us with many fond memories and funny stories to share from family gatherings, opinions on world happenings, living a wholesome life, sharing the Sunday homily, a secret recipe, baked goods for the neighbors and local police station, and always reminding us "Remember to say your prayers."