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In Memory Of

Francis J. Hayes, 93, of Ridge, MT

October 23, 1931 – January 27, 2025

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.

Service Schedule

Family to Receive Friends

4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Thursday May 22, 2025

Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home

Broadus, Montana 59317

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Mass of Christian Burial

11:00 a.m.

Friday May 23, 2025

St. David Catholic Church

225 Wilbur Ave.

Broadus, Montana 59317

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Reception

Immediately Following the Mass of Christian Burial

Friday May 23, 2025

St. David's Catholic Church Basement

225 Wilbur Ave.

Broadus, Montana 59317

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Rite of Committal

2:15 p.m.

Friday May 23, 2025

Ridge Cemetery

Ridge, MT 59311

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Luncheon

Immediately Following the Rite of Committal

Friday May 23, 2025

Rockypoint Community Center

Rockypoint, WY

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Service Schedule

Family to Receive Friends

4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Thursday May 22, 2025

Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home

Broadus, Montana 59317

View map

Mass of Christian Burial

11:00 a.m.

Friday May 23, 2025

St. David Catholic Church

225 Wilbur Ave.

Broadus, Montana 59317

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Reception

Immediately Following the Mass of Christian Burial

Friday May 23, 2025

St. David's Catholic Church Basement

225 Wilbur Ave.

Broadus, Montana 59317

View map

Rite of Committal

2:15 p.m.

Friday May 23, 2025

Ridge Cemetery

Ridge, MT 59311

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Luncheon

Immediately Following the Rite of Committal

Friday May 23, 2025

Rockypoint Community Center

Rockypoint, WY

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Memories

Read the thoughts and memories, then feel free to add your own.

  1. EllaMae and Allen Drane. says

    January 28, 2025 at 9:48 am

    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.

  2. Vanna Lancaster Byrd says

    January 28, 2025 at 10:11 am

    My most sincere condolences to the Hayes family. Francis and Elsa were always a joy to visit with.

  3. Gaylene and Tim Fortner says

    January 28, 2025 at 11:22 am

    We are so sorry to hear about Frances. He was a special art friend.

  4. Hana Brost says

    January 28, 2025 at 11:35 am

    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!

  5. Carol L Hanrahan says

    January 28, 2025 at 11:44 am

    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

  6. Floyd Huckins says

    January 28, 2025 at 1:04 pm

    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.

  7. Jane & Les Thompson says

    January 28, 2025 at 2:19 pm

    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.

  8. Lisa Tescher says

    January 28, 2025 at 2:26 pm

    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.

  9. Robbin Stoddard says

    January 28, 2025 at 2:50 pm

    Sincere condolences to you, Tom, Charlene, Mitch, and Karen, and to your families. Francis was a fine man and will be missed by many.

  10. Brenda Hopkins says

    January 28, 2025 at 7:46 pm

    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.

  11. Lisa and Roger Gaskill says

    January 28, 2025 at 7:57 pm

    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.

  12. Diana Edwards says

    January 28, 2025 at 8:11 pm

    I’m so sorry to see this news, Mitch and Connie. Bless his heart and RIP now.

  13. Karen says

    January 28, 2025 at 9:50 pm

    Thinking of all your family I always love taking to them and Karen stayed with us

  14. Bart Wilson says

    January 29, 2025 at 3:15 am

    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!

  15. Tavy Turnbough says

    January 29, 2025 at 8:01 am

    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

  16. Cam Emmons says

    January 29, 2025 at 1:38 pm

    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.

  17. Vern and Andrea Rice says

    January 29, 2025 at 7:41 pm

    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!

  18. Linda Clements Hall says

    January 30, 2025 at 5:37 pm

    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.

  19. Mark Kelly says

    January 30, 2025 at 7:24 pm

    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

  20. Ronald Taylor says

    January 30, 2025 at 7:31 pm

    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.

  21. Patricia Traub says

    January 31, 2025 at 11:11 am

    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.

  22. Laura Lee and Vic Ullrich says

    January 31, 2025 at 3:04 pm

    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.

  23. Becky Traub says

    January 31, 2025 at 7:50 pm

    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.

  24. Betty Collins says

    February 4, 2025 at 8:07 pm

    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….

  25. Linda & Dick Hurley says

    February 4, 2025 at 11:40 pm

    Our Thoughts are with you,Francis was such a nice person.

  26. Phoebe Amsden says

    February 10, 2025 at 11:33 am

    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.

  27. Sam Pilcher says

    February 10, 2025 at 11:57 am

    Thoughts and prayers for the Hayes family, Francis was a kind soul and a good man.

  28. Greg & Stacey Raisanen says

    February 28, 2025 at 9:21 am

    Our lives are much richer having known him and Elsa. What a wonderful and talented person he was. We sure enjoyed our visits. James 1:12 – Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life which the Lord hath promised to those who love Him.

  29. Joan Manke says

    March 7, 2025 at 6:38 pm

    I just heard of Francis passing. I absolutely will cherish my memories of all my visits with Francis and Elsa. Their love story touched the hearts and lives of many. I am lucky that I commissioned him to do a special painting for me just 5 years ago. I will miss you but find comfort you and Elsa are dancing again. ❤️

  30. Judy Shamley says

    March 19, 2025 at 10:55 am

    Healing thoughts and prayer to all the Hayes family. I remember seeing Francis and Elsa most every Sunday in my school years in Broadus. Sincere sympathy in the loss of your beloved father.

  31. Rieta Arbuckle Walker says

    March 22, 2025 at 11:41 am

    My condolences to the family and friends of Francis.
    It’s many years since I lived in Carter County, but I do remember Elsa as a teen and then later after she married Francis, I met both. And I subscribe to the Ekalaka Eagle.
    When I was a kid about 80 years ago, the Cecil Hayes family came to visit my extended family at the Arbuckle Ranch headquarters at Albion. What I remember is that they were from RIDGE, not Ridgeway. The family connections go back a long way.

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Service Schedule

Family to Receive Friends

4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Thursday May 22, 2025

Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home

Broadus, Montana 59317

View map

Mass of Christian Burial

11:00 a.m.

Friday May 23, 2025

St. David Catholic Church

225 Wilbur Ave.

Broadus, Montana 59317

View map

Reception

Immediately Following the Mass of Christian Burial

Friday May 23, 2025

St. David's Catholic Church Basement

225 Wilbur Ave.

Broadus, Montana 59317

View map

Rite of Committal

2:15 p.m.

Friday May 23, 2025

Ridge Cemetery

Ridge, MT 59311

View map

Luncheon

Immediately Following the Rite of Committal

Friday May 23, 2025

Rockypoint Community Center

Rockypoint, WY

View map

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