Francis J. Hayes was born in Belle Fourche, SD October 23, 1931, and passed away at the Powder River Manor in Broadus, Montana on January 28, 2025, at the age of 93. Francis lived his entire life in Ridge, MT, ranching, with the exception of when he attended middle and high school in Belle Fourche, SD, living with his two sisters. After high school he returned to the family ranch in 1949 and while working there, he received his private pilot’s license before he received his “real” automobile license and bought an airplane before he ever owned a car. He went on to obtain his instructor’s and commercial flying license in his early twenties. He met Elsa Loken in 1954, who was teaching at the Ridge school, and they married in September of 1955. After Francis and Elsa were married, they continued to live and work on the family ranch, where in the early years of their marriage, Francis was a crop duster and played music for local dances for extra income. They brought 4 children into the family and lived a very full and busy life.
Francis was an accomplished oil artist. He began studying art via correspondence courses in 1963 and continued on from there. He never missed an opportunity to advance his skill, taking additional lessons every chance he got, including several lessons from an artist that was in the local county jail, and even one lesson from the famous Bob Ross, and in doing so, his talent grew and his style evolved. He won numerous awards for his paintings, several of which were published in various magazines, including the Western Horseman. Not only was Francis an exceptional painter, but he also made furniture in his later years when life slowed down. He made unique coffee tables, as well as shelves, corner handkerchief tables, 3 legged stools, and lamp stands. He was also a blacksmith, welding and shaping metal into whatever creative design he deemed necessary for his project, often combining his metal creations with his wood work. And of course there was the Christmas Star. If you ever drove to Ridge during the Christmas season you could see The Star from miles away. It was originally placed on top of the old Ridge School House but as time went on, Francis decided to enlarge it and placed it on the big north hill at Ridge. On a good clear night The Star could be seen from 20 miles away. Francis was a master craftsman, to say the least- you name it, he’d make it.
Francis loved being a rancher. He loved the area his grandfather, Joe Hayes, homesteaded on and was always thankful for the forsite Joe had, to stop at Ridge, to open the family store. Francis’ true passions were God, family, ranch life, art and airplanes. He talked about how he loved to put up hay and the fulfilment it gave him to see all the bales in the fields and after they were gathered in the hay yard. Calving time was another special time, as he adored the new life that appeared every spring. Besides God and family, we truly believe airplanes were his absolute favorite. He never tired of talking about them. But his family was his greatest treasure. He was happiest when his house was full of kids. His kids, grandkids, great grand kids or other peoples kids. I believe his motto in life was, the more the merrier. His home was a place where anyone who entered immediately felt welcomed, loved, and at ease—a true reflection of the warmth and kindness he radiated. It was clear to all who met Francis that he had a special gift for making people feel at home.
A full-time cattle rancher, Francis was also committed to supporting various endeavors outside of the family business. He began working in middle school at Fred Padaloky’s Meat Market & Groceries and Bowling Alley in Belle Fourche, SD, balancing work after school and on Saturdays. He was a member of St. David’s Catholic Church in Broadus, MT, serving in the Men’s group, Pancake Maker, Eucharistic Minister and Minister of the Word. He served as a Brand Inspector for 60 years or more, was an active School Board Member, involved in Meat Promoters and the Toastmaster Club. He served as a Board Member for Southeast Electric Cooperative from 1976 to 2016, including a tenure as President from 1984 through 1998. Francis also represented Upper Midwest Electrical (1983-1998), which served a 9-state region, traveling annually to Washington DC, lobbying for hydroelectric power initiative, advocating for maintenance and upkeep of hydroelectric dams and related infrastructure. While at Upper Midwest Electrical, he also worked for Upper Missouri Power Cooperative out of Sidney, MT.
While his physical presence will be deeply missed, the legacy of his love for life, his community, and his family will live on in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to know him. We will all miss Francis, his humor, and his unwavering love for life.
Francis is survived by his four children, Thomas Hayes, Charlene Hayes Elston, Mitchell (Connie) Hayes and Karen (Phillip) Christy. Nine grandchildren and nineteen great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Francis is preceded in death by his wife, Elsa Hayes, parents, Cecil and Helen Hayes, sister’s Patricia Kelly, brother-in-law Jerry Kelly, sister Kathleen Keil, brother-in-law Dave Keil and son-in-law, Ray Elston.
Funeral services to follow in the spring at St. David’s Catholic Church Broadus, MT. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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EllaMae and Allen Drane. says
So sorry to hear, a very dear life long friend and neighbor and he and Elsa were very special to us.Will be missed and always special memories,love and hugs to all his family.
Vanna Lancaster Byrd says
My most sincere condolences to the Hayes family. Francis and Elsa were always a joy to visit with.
Gaylene and Tim Fortner says
We are so sorry to hear about Frances. He was a special art friend.
Hana Brost says
This hurts my heart, but I am so happy he is dancing in heaven with Elsa! Tom, Charlene, Mitchell, and Karen, I love you and I am praying for peace for each of you!
Carol L Hanrahan says
A very good mañ and lifelong friend of my dad’s. They grew up together at Ridge, and stayed close. My condolences to his family, you’re in my thoughts and prayers. Heaven gained a gentle soul.
Carol Mellor Hanrahan
Floyd Huckins says
Tom, Charlene, Mitch & Karen and families,
My thoughts are with you and your families. I have always had the highest regard and respect for Francis- a man to live up to. I always felt welcome and at home at Francis & Elsa’s.
He left his legacy in all of you.
Jane & Les Thompson says
Dear Hays Family,
Sending condolences and love in your time of loss. I remember the Ridge dances and how both our parents enjoyed dancing and spenting that time together.
Lisa Tescher says
My heart hurts, but we are so happy his suffering is over and he’s in Heaven with Elsa and the Ridge crew. Dave and I love you all so much, Tom, Charlene, Mitch, and Karen and his beloved grandchildren.
Robbin Stoddard says
Sincere condolences to you, Tom, Charlene, Mitch, and Karen, and to your families. Francis was a fine man and will be missed by many.
Brenda Hopkins says
Hays family, my thoughts are with you. He was a very kind and loving man. I will never forget the love he had for Elsa. I did not know Francis or Charlene before Elsa came to the nursing home. You are a special kind of family, so much love.
Lisa and Roger Gaskill says
Karen and the rest of the Hayes family, we are very sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. Mom enjoyed visiting with him there at the Manor when he first moved in.
Diana Edwards says
I’m so sorry to see this news, Mitch and Connie. Bless his heart and RIP now.
Karen says
Thinking of all your family I always love taking to them and Karen stayed with us
Bart Wilson says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all! All of the memories, and my painting I will cherish forever! The community lost another very special man! RIP Francis! Hugs to you all!
Tavy Turnbough says
Prayers for you all. He will always hold a special place in the heart of this nurse with the colored hair 💜. It was an honor to care for both Frances and Elsa
Cam Emmons says
We all send sincere condolences for our dear friend and neigbor, Francis. Prayers for comfort and peace to the Hayes families, Tom, Mitch, Charlene and Karen.
Both your Mom and Dad were always so kind and welcoming to all of us.
Francis was a good friend to my Dad and he will be missed.
Vern and Andrea Rice says
Sending your deepest condolences to the Hayes family. Your Mom and Dad were very special people to both of us. They will be missed by all!
Linda Clements Hall says
My thoughts and prayers are with all the family. Francis and Elsa came to a lot of dances. They always seemed to enjoy each other. The family has been good neighbors to my family.
Mark Kelly says
Uncle Francis & Aunt Elsa were a special kind of people. Always a pleasure & loads of fun visiting the Hayes cousins on the ranch. We Kelly’s from the ‘city’ always enjoyed invading the ranch, raising hell, and just plain chatting around their kitchen table. Uncle Francis was always so welcoming and a pleasure chatting with about family history, ranch stories, weather, his painting & woodworking hobbies, and just about anything else. I will miss him deeply. Ridge lost an iconic treasure.
Cousins Tom, Charlene, Mitch, & Karen- your dad (and mom) were treasures beyond belief. I am so sorry for your loss. RIP uncle Francis.
—Cuz Mark & family in Minneapolis
Ronald Taylor says
So sorry to hear of his passing.He was a real gentleman and most everyone in that part of Montana who flew a plane learned from him,he was an excellent pilot.May you rest in peace.
Patricia Traub says
Tom, Charlene, Mitch and Karen
My deepest sympathy to each of you and your families as you more than the loss of Francis. He was a wonderful man and a true gentleman. Both my parents always spoke so highly of him and Elsa . May all the wonderful memories you have with him stay with you for your lifetime.
Prayers for you all.
Laura Lee and Vic Ullrich says
I am sending our sympathy to all of your family during this sad time. I knew he was getting bad as he wasn’t at church when I was there 2 weeks ago. He was a true gentleman and a really good man! I always enjoyed visiting with him when they stopped at my store or whenever I saw them. May God wrap you all in His loving arms and keep you close.
Becky Traub says
Tom, Charlene, Mitch and Karen,
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you and your families. I am so sorry for the loss of your father.
Love and hugs.
Betty Collins says
Hugs, prayers and thoughts are with all the Hayes families. There wasn’t any finer people that walked this land. Skin and I went to lots of dances with them. We all had a ball. The concerts we went with them to Rapid. Flying trips to Circle to visit the Harrises and etc. Have 4 paintings of his that I have always cherished. Your dancing with your Elsa now. Say hello to Skin for me….
Linda & Dick Hurley says
Our Thoughts are with you,Francis was such a nice person.
Phoebe Amsden says
My thoughts and prayers are with the Hayes Family. Francis and Elsa were two people I held dear in my heart. I feel blessed to have known them and call them friends.
Sam Pilcher says
Thoughts and prayers for the Hayes family, Francis was a kind soul and a good man.