Born December 2, 1927 she was the daughter of the late Kenneth and Edith Jessie (Seaman) Hults.
She attended school at East Hempstead and worked as a telephone operator. In 1955 she married Harold L. Hayes. They slowly started moving north out of Long Island and in 1968 landed in Quaker Springs.
Ima worked at Saratoga Hospital as a dietary aide and then supervisor for 27 years. Many very close friendships were made there and continued throughout her life. After her retirement in 1992 she worked part-time at Home of the Good Shepherd. She was also involved in the Senior Citizens of Saratoga Springs and volunteered at many events with them. She was a member of the Quaker Springs United Methodist Church and gave her time to them as much as possible, especially the monthly dinners.
While living in Saratoga she also attended the Saratoga Baptist Church and volunteered with them as well. She enjoyed roller skating and watching figure skating. Her greatest love and proudest moments were watching her family grow. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her life.
In addition to her parents and her husband, Ima was predeceased by a daughter Susan Marie Hedler; a great-grandson Aidan Varney and two brothers: George Mott and Thomas Hults.
Survivors include a brother, Kenneth Hults of Long Island; her four children, Cynthia Bruce and husband Bill of Quaker Springs, John Hayes and wife Helen of Saratoga Springs, Nathan Hayes of Watervliet and Caroline Hayes of North Creek; 11 grandchildren: Laurie Lewis and husband Ken, Ruth Penman and husband Jon Sr., Frank Edward Burns, Heather Varney, Kristen Mosher and husband Bart, Richard Varney, Karin Printy, Katrina Smith and husband Jason, Lindsay Conklin and husband Earl, Stephanie Richards , Devin Hayes and 17 great-grandchildren Alicia, Meagan, Tristan, Shania, Jon Jr., Brittany, Vinnie, Samantha, Carly, Allison, Trevor, Haley, Madison, Kayden, Amasia-Jae and Kristofer.
A celebration of life service will be held at Quaker Springs United Methodist Church at 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 28.
Donations can be made to the Quaker Springs United Methodist Church, c/o Tim Lagoe, 135 County Route 69, Schuylerville, NY 12871.
Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs.
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
