Surrounded by her family, Gertrude Milton Hayes, age 88, died Saturday, March 3, 2012.

Mrs. Hayes was born in Ellijay, GA, on August 9, 1923 to the late Rev. Oscar P. and Ina Davis Milton. Mrs. Hayes was baptized at age 13 by her father. She graduated from Ellijay High School in 1941. Before moving to Atlanta for a long career with Rich’s Department Stores and the Georgia World Congress Center, she taught school in Ellijay. Mrs. Hayes was married to Luke L. Hayes, who preceded her in death. She is also preceded in death by an infant sibling, her sisters, Carrie Milton Land, Christine Milton and her brothers Clyde Milton, Clay Milton, Claude Milton, Carl Milton, Cecil Milton, Clarence Goss Milton and Chris Milton.

She is survived by her sister, Clara Milton Jones of Decatur, nieces and nephews, Libby Owens (Jack) of Lawrenceville, Nancy Hunt of Cumming, Thomas Jones (Angie) of Snellville, Jerry Milton (Maribel) of Lutz, FL, Darrell Milton of Dalton, Wilburn Milton of Ellijay, Ann Sheets (Guy) of Hershey, PA and Keith Milton of Ellijay. Great nieces and nephews who survive are Jay Owens, Michael Owens, Jennifer Hunt, Jonathan Hunt, Elijah Jones, Abby Sheets, Ashley Sheets, Jerry Milton, Jr. and Kathy Dunn. She is also survived by her sister in law, Bonnie Milton of Dahlonega. Several cousins also survive.

Graveside services are scheduled for 4:00 p.m., Sunday, March 4, 2012, at Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery, Reverend Edmund Miller, officiating.

No visitation will be held at the funeral home. Bernhardt Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.