Myrtle Rykard Hayes, 74, of Cayce, died Thursday, October 11, 2012. Born in Columbia, SC, on July 25, 1938, Mrs. Hayes was a daughter of the late Thomas Clifton and Annie Laurie Brooks Rykard. She graduated from Eau Claire High School, and spent her working life with the SC Employment Security Commission. She was a member of Congaree Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Hayes will be remembered by her family for her love and care for each of them.

Surviving are her sons, James H. (Kathy) Hayes, Jr. of Clover, SC, Michael A. (Ann) Hayes of Canton, GA, and Steven R. Hayes of Macon, GA; daughter, Julie L. Hayes of Columbia; grandchildren, Emily Hayes of Wilmington, NC, Hunter (Elisabeth) Hayes of Clemson, SC, Cynthia Hayes of Atlanta, GA, John Taylor and Laura Taylor, both of Columbia, and Mike Hayes of Atlanta, GA; nephews, Robert (Kristy) Rykard of Lexington, Thomas David (Greg Alexander) Rykard of Charleston; cousin, Chanie Louise (Ray) Peake of Lexington; and caregiver, Linda Ellisor of Cayce. In addition to her parents, Myrtle was preceded in death by her husband, James H. Hayes; and brother, Thomas Rykard.

A graveside service for Mrs. Hayes will be held 2 o'clock, Sunday, October 14th, at Elmwood Cemetery, 501 Elmwood Ave, Columbia, with The Rev. John White officiating. The family will greet friends following the service. Shives Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Memorials may be made to Congaree Presbyterian Church, 1221 Lafayette Ave, Cayce, SC 29033 or to Palmetto Health Hospice, PO Box 7275, Columbia, SC 29201.