Karenlee Hayward

Karenlee (Walters) Hayward, 81, of Olivet, Michigan passed peacefully on March 8, 2025.

Born in Lansing, MI on October 29, 1943, the daughter of Robert Edwin Walters and Ilene Eleanor (Jennings) Walters, Karen was a lifelong resident of the greater Lansing area. She was a 1962 graduate of Lansing Everett High School. On August 30, 1963, Karen married Lucius “Lou” Octavious Hayward at the Pennway Church of God and God blessed them with over 61 years together. Karen was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Dennis “Buzz” Walters.

Karen’s surviving family includes her loving husband Lou, their five children, Mark (Carrie) Hayward of Lansing, MI; Scott (Debbie) Hayward of Grand Ledge, MI; Rob (Sharon) Hayward of West Lafayette, IN; Chad (Michelle) Hayward of Noblesville, IN; and Gina (Staci) Hayward of Olivet, MI. Sisters Sherry (John) Hunnell of Dimondale, MI and Jean (Edmundo) Rocha of Lansing, MI.

Karen’s kindness lives on in her twenty-one beloved grandchildren; Angelica (Ezekiel) Martinez, Christopher Hayward, MarkEdison Hayward, Joshua (Kelsey) Hayward, Jeffrey (Cali) Hayward, Britan Hayward and Danielle, Miranda (Kevin) Lutz, Kyle (Lauren) Hayward, Kevin (Ashley) Hayward, Madeline (Kyle) Sehgers, Mackenzie (Adam) McLaughlin, Kelsie Hayward and Kage Williams, Caroline Hayward, Ellerie Hayward, Liam Hayward, Russell (Alexis) Pliley, Brianna (Sam) Ryan, Bryce Pliley and Lauren Roberts, Rabecka Pliley and Gavin Clower, Megann Davis and Jake Henski and Matthew Davis. Karen was also the proud great-grandmother of twenty.

Karen found joy in the simple melodies of life from the time spent at Pattengill Middle School in Pirates of Penzance, to the harmonies of her choirs, to the heartfelt tunes of Kenny Rogers, the Gaither Vocal Band, to her beloved Christian hymns, especially "How Great Thou Art." Her collections of Coca-Cola memorabilia and Precious Moments figurines reflected a love for cherished keepsakes. She was an avid reader and enjoyed the challenge of puzzles and games. Karen also cherished the outdoors, particularly camping trips to Charlevoix and St. Louis camp meetings. Her loyal companion, Teddy, her beloved dog, and her many long-time friends brought her immense happiness. Her gentle spirit will be deeply missed.

Those desiring to make contributions in Karen’s memory may do so by donating to Divine Nest Assisted Living, 4887 Hull Rd., Leslie MI, 49251 or to Pennway Church of God, 1101 E. Cavanaugh Rd., Lansing, MI 48910.

The family will receive friends for a time of visitation at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home on Friday, March 14, 2025, from 5:00PM – 8:00 PM, and for one hour prior to the memorial service Saturday morning. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Pennway Church of God, 1101 E. Cavanaugh Rd., Lansing, MI with Pastor Dave Perry officiating.