Mattie Louise Hayes

Our beloved Mattie Louise (Ledger) Hayes passed peacefully from this life on August 24, 2025.
Born September 28,1928, in Pineville, Kentucky, Mattie began life in the Appalachians, moving to Indiana when she was three. Her parents Robert and Grace Ledger died when she was 13, leaving her and six siblings who also preceded her in death: Paul Ledger, William (Bill) Ledger, Glenna Norton, Bonnie Clelland Roddy, Robert (Bob) Ledger and Patricia (Pat) Payne. Although moved about during their childhoods, they maintained close relationships throughout their lifetimes. With God’s grace and love, the siblings survived and overcame great trauma.
Mattie was lovingly taken in by her sister Glenna before her senior year at Anderson High School. She graduated in 1946, always proud of that year’s state championship basketball team.
Mattie met Jack Ware Hayes at 22 years of age; they married three weeks after their first date. They were devoted and loving partners for 41 years until Jack’s death in 1992. Her love for him endured as long as she lived.
Jack and Mattie had three children: Sharon Miller (Donald) Hertzinger, Sandra (Ronald) Karkosky and David (Michele) Hayes. On April 5 of this year, her daughter Sandra passed and is deeply mourned by her family. Mattie is survived by 9 grandchildren: Brent (Jessica) Miller, Brandon Miller, Stephanie (Kristopher Hawkins) Miller, Amber Karkosky (Chad) Litten, Andrew (Lindsey) Karkosky, Abby (Brian) Schnepp, Akara Karkosky (Jeremy Adams), Alyssa (Matthew) Stanley and Paul (Jessica) Hayes. Mattie delighted in each of her grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. She also cherished nieces and nephews, as well as close friends.
For many years, Mattie was a humble but integral part of her Anderson First Church of the Nazarene family. She was known for her ability to listen well, to pray and to lovingly support others. For decades she enjoyed serving in the infant nursery where she was a favorite of the babies. Mattie was known for baking delicious pies for special occasions. She served with grace and cheer while cleaning up and washing endless mounds of dishes after church events.
Mattie was the mom and the grandma who always had freshly baked cookies to offer along with her unconditional love. As a fisherman’s wife, she enjoyed visiting many beautiful lakes, streams and oceans. She and Jack enjoyed the state and national parks, especially hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains with family members. Mattie could knit, sew, embroider and cross stitch beautifully. For as long as she was able, each new grandchild received a blanket or sweater and a handmade Christmas stocking. She tended beautiful plants, and especially loved the gorgeous roses which thrived under her care.
Visitation for Mattie will be on Friday, September 5th, 2025 from 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM. Her funeral service will be at 1:00 PM at Loose Funeral Homes & Crematory, 200 W. 53rd St., Anderson IN 46013. Mattie's final resting place will be at Anderson Memorial Park beside her beloved husband.
Kindness, gentleness and love were the hallmarks of Mattie Hayes’ life. At the end of her life, her small worn hands reflected her life of loving service to others.