ELKHART -- Rosalie Hayes, 80, of Elkhart, died at 6:15 a.m. Sunday (Oct. 12, 2008) in Valley View Health Care Center.

She was born to John and Rose (Swan) Washington on Jan. 28, 1928, in Monroe, La.

She is survived by two sons, Woodrow "Judd" (Denise) Moore of Elkhart and Calvin Moore of Batesville, Miss.; nine grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lewis Hayes; one daughter, Mary Collins; and one sister, Johnnie May Thompson.

Mrs. Hayes had been a cook and she worked at Hotel Elkhart, Elkhart Elks Lodge and Elcona Country Club. She attended St. James A.M.E. Church, near her home on St. Joseph Street where she lived for many years. She enjoyed attending Church Without Walls with her son and his family when she could. She loved to cook and go fishing and was known as "Big Mama" to her family and friends.

Friends may call one hour prior to Thursday's 1 p.m. service at Church Without Walls, 731 Wagner Ave., Elkhart. Pastor Jonathon Brown and his wife Pastor Cora Brown will officiate. Burial and graveside service in Prairie Street Cemetery will follow.

Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, is assisting with arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.billingsfuneralhome.com.