Rita Hayes Obituary

Rita A. Hayes, 77, of Weston, Wisconsin, entered her heavenly home on August 15, 2025, surrounded by family, after a courageous battle with cancer. Rita was born on January 25, 1948, in Youngstown, Ohio to the late John and Mary Frances Qualey. It is there where Rita gave birth to the light of her life, Christine. Rita and Christine would relocate to Kissimmee, Florida where Rita would earn her favorite title, Meme. She would eventually move to Wisconsin where she would watch her family grow. Rita was a collector and enjoyed spending time at Goodwill looking at all her potential treasure. She enjoyed tending to her flowers and spending time with the family.

Rita was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Ann Ebert; and parents, John and Mary Frances Qualey.

Survivors include her sisters, Pat Cramer and Kathy Russ; daughter, Christine (John) Zywicki of Weston; and her grandchildren, Ivey Zywicki of Weston, Jordan (Johnathan) May of Wausau, Jayme (Jared) Linke of Rothschild, and John (Skye) Zywicki of Wausau. She leaves behind two great-grandchildren, Paxton and Freya Linke of Rothschild. Rita also leaves behind Winston, her beloved dog.

Rita will be missed by all. She is loved by the family with the same love she taught us all to have. The family would like to send a heartfelt thank you to Compassus Hospice of Wausau for your support and kindness.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau. There will be a time of sharing to conclude the evening at 6:00 p.m. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.