Gracie "Sue" May Hayward Obituary (1938 - 2022)

Gracie "Sue" May Hayward Of Eaton Rapids, MI passed away on December 22, 2022, at the age of 84. Sue was born on May 1, 1938, in Ramsey, England, the only child of George and Grace (Payne) Hunt. She was proud of her English heritage and retained her English citizenship throughout her life. Sue worked as a civilian switchboard operator on the Royal Air Force Alconbury base in Cambridgeshire, England, where she met her future husband, Kenn Hayward, who was stationed there during his time in the U.S. Air Force and was also working as a switchboard operator. They married on January 1, 1960 at the Eaton Rapids Church of the Nazarene, and together lived in Eaton Rapids for their entire married lives. Along with Kenn, Sue was the owner and operator of the Basket Case antique shop in downtown Eaton Rapids for 25 years, and a longtime member of Mt. Hope Church in Lansing. She loved traveling and especially enjoyed her trips to England and annual motorhome camping trips in destinations with water. She was an avid birdwatcher and always found time to enjoy a great cup of tea. Above all, Sue was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who cherished her family and the time she spent with them. She is preceded in death by her parents and a daughter, Michelle "Shelly" Hayward. Surviving are her husband, Kenn Hayward; sons, Wayne (Tracy) Hayward, Darren Hayward; daughter, Yvette Hayward; 8 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, December 30, 2022, at Rosehill Cemetery in Eaton Rapids. After the service, a luncheon will be held at the Eaton Rapids Church of the Nazarene. The family will receive family and friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com