Ilema Joyce Hayden

Ilema Joyce Dick Hayden, 97, of Danville died August 17, 2021. Ilema was born January 13, 1924 in Casey County, daughter of the late Ephraim Oliver and Ibbie Esther Wesley Dick. She grew up in Science Hill and was a graduate of Science Hill High School. In 1959 Ilema and her husband, Paul L. Hayden opened the P. Hayden Jeweler store on Main Street in Danville which they operated until their retirement in 1984. Ilema and Paul enjoyed spending retirement winters in Florida where Paul fished and Ilema played bridge. Ilema had always been an active bridge player, playing often with friends and competing in bridge tournaments around Central Kentucky. She was also a member of the Homemakers Club, Garden Club and Bowling League. She was a long-time member of Centenary United Methodist Church and was active in the church until her health declined. She enjoyed the last six years of her life at McDowell Place where she was treated like family, particularly by her special friend and caregiver, Carol Taylor. In addition to her husband of 62 years, Paul L. Hayden, Ilema was also predeceased by her sisters, Mafre Eldridge and Elma Ponser, her son-in-law, Edward Fletcher and grandson, Erin Fletcher. She is survived by three daughters, Jackie Hayden (Garry) Lawrence of Lexington, Kathie Hayden Fletcher of Fairfield, Ohio and Jeanne Hayden (Russell) Hodgins of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; seven grandchildren, Lance (Dana) Lawrence, Jud (Jessica) Lawrence, Eric (Carey) Fletcher, Kevin (Kerry) Fletcher, Ashley Morrison, Wes (Emily) Hodgins, Allison (Jeremy) Lizza; thirteen great grandchildren: Logan, Bennie, Riley, Alison, Brandon, Kayla, Ryan, Kenley, Austin, Aiken, Alexa, Natalie, and Elliot. The graveside service will be Friday, August 20 at 10:00 am at Camp Nelson National Cemetery. Rev. Quentin Scholtz will officiate. Pallbearers will be Eric Fletcher, Kevin Fletcher, Lance Lawrence, Jud Lawrence, Wayne Eldridge, Garry Lawrence, Hop Dugger and Russell Hodgins. Honorary pallbearers are, her special friend and caregiver, Carol Taylor, family friend, Joe Simpson and the friends and staff at McDowell Place of Danville. Memorial donations are suggested to Centenary United Methodist Church. Please sign the online guestbook and send a Hugs From Home. Graveside Service: 10:00 a.m., Friday, August 20, 2021 at Camp Nelson National Cemetery in Nicholasville, Kentucky