Debra Ann Hayes, 61, of Maxwell, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at her home in Maxwell.

Deb was born September 18, 1963, the daughter of Jimmy and Connie (Earles) Smith.  She graduated from Maxwell High School in 1982 and attended DMACC. On April 25,1987, she was united in marriage to Ronald Lee Hayes in Maxwell. Deb worked for more than 16 years as the City Clerk for the City of Maxwell.

Deb had a creative spirit and a love for stories and imagination. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, sewing, and scrapbooking. In recent years, she found joy in building Legos and quilting. She was also an avid reader and had a deep love for fantasy, especially Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings. One of her greatest joys was gaming with her sons, sharing countless hours of fun and adventure together.

She is survived by her husband, Ron, of Maxwell; her children, Chris (Michelle) Hayes of Madrid, Mike Hayes (Kari) of Fernald, and Aaron Hayes (Alexis Meek) of Osage; her mother, Connie Smith of Maxwell; her grandchildren, Samantha, Darrell, Jessica, Alli, and her soon-to-arrive grandson, Russell, expected on March 7, 2025; her brother, Jimmy Smith; and her sister, Tonya Smith. She was preceded in death by her father, Jimmy Smith.

Deb will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who knew and loved her.

In honor of her love for The Lord of the Rings, we share this exchange between Gandalf

and Pippin from The Return of the King:

Gandalf: "End? No, the journey doesn't end here. Death is just another path, one that we all must take. The grey rain-curtain of this world rolls back, and all turns to silver glass, and then you see it."

Pippin: "What? Gandalf?... See what?"

Gandalf: "White shores... and beyond, a far green country under a swift sunrise."

Pippin: [smiling] "Well, that isn't so bad."

Gandalf: [softly] "No... No it isn't."

Deb was cremated, and her family wishes to honor her life privately at this time. A celebration of her life may be planned at a later date.

Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Maxwell is handling arrangements. Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.rasmussonfh.com.