James J. ‘Johnnie’ Hayes, 98, of Rt. 2 in the Thrall area, died Wednesday [died February 23, 1977] at a local nursing home. He was born February 22, 1879 (headstone 1880) in Otoe County, Neb. He came here from Iowa in 1883 and lived in School District No. 12 for 80 years. He farmed in the Badger Pocket and Denmark areas until 1967 when he moved to Thrall.
He and Dorothy (Tillie) Curtis were married Jan. 29, 1899. She preceded him in death Oct. 6, 1972. Survivors include: two daughters, Mrs. Hazel Indermuhle and Mrs. Velma Casey, and one brother, Harry Hayes, all of Ellensburg; seven grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren, and 21 great great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by three sons: James, George and Earl.
Funeral services will be Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at Evenson Chapel. The Rev. Alvin Lustie will officiate and burial will follow at the IOOF cemetery.