Sherry Sue Hayes

09/6/1954 - 03/10/2026

Sherry Sue Hayes (née Schultz), 71, of Ellettsville, Indiana, passed away March 10, 2026, in Bloomington, Indiana. She was born September 6, 1954, in Columbus, Indiana, to Gerald Henry Schultz and Irene Eunice Schultz. 

Sherry married Arthur Chester Hayes on August 23, 1975, and together they built a life centered around family, community, and service. 

She had lived in Ellettsville since 1978, where she raised her family and remained active in the community. 

Sherry attended Indiana University from 1972 to 1974 and later graduated magna cum laude from Ivy Tech Community College in 2004 with an Associate of Applied Science in Computer Information Systems. 

She worked at Bloomington Hospital for 41 years (1974–2015), beginning her career as a phlebotomist and later serving as Phlebotomy Coordinator, Lab Systems Support Facilitator, and Information System Specialist. 

Throughout her life, Sherry remained deeply involved in community and civic activities. She was named Outstanding Young Woman in America in 1981, was a founding member and the first State President of the Indiana chapter of the National Phlebotomy Association, served as a Monroe County Democratic Convention Delegate, and ran multiple times as a Democratic candidate for the Ellettsville Town Council. She also dedicated her time to youth programs as a Boy Scout and Girl Scout leader, served on the Little League Board of Directors, and spent four years as a Little League team manager. 

Sherry loved spending time with her family, enjoyed traveling and sewing, and had a special affection for her dogs. 

She is survived by her beloved husband, Arthur Chester Hayes of Ellettsville; her children Matthew Hayes (Amanda) of Columbus, Patrick Hayes (Sarah) of Bloomington, and Nicole O’Malley-Hayes (Lacy) of Ellettsville. She is also survived by her grandchildren Destiny Hayes, Evy Hayes, Aria Hayes, Logan Hayes, Elliot Hayes, Lucinda Flick (Collin), Estelle Ryhal, Guage Poindexter, Taylor Breeden, and by Natalie Godsey (Devin) of Ellettsville; and great-grandchildren Daisy Flick, Nadine Flick, and Hailynn Godsey. 

She was preceded in death by her parents Gerald Henry Schultz and Irene Eunice Schultz, her brothers Loren “Butch” Schultz and Clio Schultz, and her son Nicolas Hayes. 

A celebration of life for Sherry will be held Saturday, March 28, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Heritage Center in Ellettsville, located west of the intersection of Temperance Street (State Road 46) and Hartstrait Road. All who knew Sherry are welcome to attend. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that attendees consider bringing canned food donations or making a donation to Pantry 279, a local food pantry serving the surrounding communities. 

She leaves behind a legacy of service, compassion, and dedication to both her family and her community.