Marianne Vercher (Sullivan) Hayes died Monday, November 11, 2013 in Bay City, TX at the age of 90-years. She was born August 26, 1923 at home on Wallace's Prairie near Whitehall in Grimes County, TX. She was the second of six children born to Edward Franklin Sullivan, Jr. and Ruth Elizabeth (Meineke) Sullivan. She married Gilbert Louis Hayes February 1, 1952 in Houston, TX and their union lasted 30-years until his death November 27, 1982.

Marianne enjoyed a very active and full life…a life that mattered. She led by quiet example, giving back to the world in which she lived. In addition to having a number of jobs outside the home during her lifetime, she participated in many organizations. Most important was supporting the Markham United Methodist Church in various capacities, but she also had other wide-ranging interests. These included belonging to the Memory Makers Quilt Guild, the Midfield Extension Homemakers Club, the Matagorda County Genealogical Society, the Bay City Nature Club, the Matagorda County Aggie Moms' Club, the Matagorda County Chapter of AARP, was an Emeritus Member of the Matagorda County Museum Association Board of Directors, and served as a long-standing notary public and election judge in Markham.

Above all, Marianne's love of family knew no bounds. She and Gilbert raised their children to be educated, responsible adults. She did so by supporting each of their interests and offering wise words of encouragement when needed. She was very proud of all her children, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter. She cherished her dear friends, many pets (mostly cats), the color purple, family reunions, and enjoyed the Houston Rockets and funny birthday cards. She was an outstanding cook and family and friends always looked forward to enjoying the delicious dishes she prepared, especially desserts.
Marianne will be sorely missed by all who loved her.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and sisters Elise
Lawrence and Martha Jonas. She is survived by sons: Allan (Patty) Hayes of Corpus Christi, Glenn (Janis) Hayes of Markham, and Joel (Melissa) Hayes of Jakarta, Indonesia; daughters: Lou Anne (Douglas) Kahlich of Midland, and Susan (David) Salidivar of Bay City, ten grandchildren: Robby (Stacey) Henske, Elizabeth Anne (Tyler) Topper, Kristin Kahlich, David (Allison) Kahlich, James Kahlich, Zachary Hayes, Russell (Tomoko) Hayes, Sarah Hayes, Laura Salidivar, and Mark Salidivar; and one great grandchild: Haylie Henske. She is also survived by brothers E.F. Sullivan III (Joan), and Robert (Marilyn) Sullivan, both of Navasota, and a sister, Carol (Granville) Dutton of Dallas.

The family wishes to express its sincere thanks to Houston Hospice – El Campo for its kind help with Marianne's final journey. Memorial gifts may be made to the Markham United Methodist Church, or to Houston Hospice – El Campo.

Visitation will be Friday, November 15 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home in Bay City. Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 16 at 10:00 am at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery near Blessing. Pallbearers will be her grandsons.