ATHENS, Ohio – Rose Mary Triggs Hayes was born on October 7,1940 in Madison Wisconsin to Vivian and Claude Triggs. She was the much younger baby of six, affectionately called Rosie.
She became a nun with the School Sisters of Notre Dame and spent several years teaching in Milwaukee. She then married Ted Hayes in the early seventies and moved to North Congress Street in Athens where Ted was employed as a professor at OU. She was employed at Trimble Local Schools. Married only a few years, she spent the next three decades as a devoted elementary and middle school counselor at Trimble. She provided workshops to local schools providing leadership training. Rosie moved in the early eighties to her home on Arden Place where she spent her time decorating her home, becoming a certified midlife coach and working toward Master Gardener.
In Athens she was a devoted member of Christ the King University Parish serving for a time as a member and head of parish council, a Eucharistic minister and a member of the choir. She completed The Total Ministry Program for the Diocese of Steubenville.
She was an avid volunteer for the American Red Cross and played the accordion. She loved to travel, enjoyed the beach, visited light houses, and spent time bird watching. Her favorite spot was Chincoteague, Virginia. Her favorite color was purple. She always loved her “girls” who were various cats that became her family. Almost a dozen years ago with a dementia diagnosis, she moved with her cat to The Lindley Inn at The Plains where she died peacefully Friday, June 12, 2026.
She would want to thank the Lindley Inn who became her home and safe place and Home Reach Hospice of Columbus for their care for the last year. She would also want to thank her niece, Michelle Liggett of Florida who acted as her medical power of attorney and Michelle’s husband, John. She would send a big hug and a thank you to Bob Maher of Athens who was her fiscal power of attorney, his deceased wife, Linda and their daughter, Marilyn. Rosie would send a warm thank you to Father Don Horak, retired Pastor of Christ the King, who was her faithful friend and who late in his retirement was her next-door neighbor.
Rosie was preceded in death by her parents and siblings as well as her nephew, Mike Mazur of Michigan. She is survived by fifteen nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at Christ the King Catholic Church, Mill and Stewart Streets, Athens with Msgr. Donald Horak as celebrant. Friends may call Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. until time of the Mass at the Church. Arrangements are with Jagers & Sons Funeral Home, Athens.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Christ the King University Parish, your local cat shelter or your local Hospice.
Please share a memory, a note of condolence or sign the online register at www.jagersfunerlhome.com.