It’s with heavy hearts, we announce that Laura Jean Hayden, 85 of Owensboro, passed peacefully from this life on March 5, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Laura was born on March 21, 1939, in Daviess County, one of six children, to the late Joseph Arthur Roby Sr. and Mary Josephine Barr Roby.
Laura was a hardworking and devoted mother to five children and once the children were school age, she returned to the workforce. She was of the Catholic faith was employed for many years through the Diocese of Owensboro, as a church secretary at St. William’s and St. Lawrence Catholic Churches. Then she took on the role of Office manager at St. Joseph & Paul’s Church where she spent many years assisting the priest in all parish functions, while simultaneously serving as the Manager of Knottsville Credit Union. Laura’s last position was as the Business Manager for Hayden Construction Company Inc. where she retired after 20 years to spend more time with her children and grandchildren.
Laura was a wonderful mother and grandmother; her children and grand babies were everything to her and always her first priority. She truly was the second mom to all her grand & great grand babies. She was a fun-loving lady with a great sense of humor and her presence brightened the lives of everyone she met. She was known for cooking special birthday dinners for her children and grandchildren, who absolutely adored her. Surprisingly she was an animated & gifted storyteller, often recited stories and poems she learned from her parents during her childhood and passed them down to her grandchildren. Laura loved traveling on “girl trips” with her daughters & granddaughters. She had many interest; she enjoyed sewing, was a classic movie and music buff, a huge Kentucky Wildcats Basketball fan, and an avid card player. She was gifted with cards, very competitive, had a great “poker face” and usually walked away the winner. Laura was full of love and unwavering kindness, she will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by her family, friends and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Those left to cherish her memory include her daughters; Donna (Bobby) Howard of Reedsville, PA, Sara (Mike) Clark, of Owensboro, a son Steve (Sandy) Hayden of Philpot, Janet (Ron) Jones of Lewisport, Denise (Rick) Isbill of Philpot, her former husband Vincent B. Hayden Jr. and his son Patrick Hayden.
She leaves behind her beloved eleven grandchildren: Dustin (Micki) Howard of Indianapolis, Lacey Howard of Indianapolis, Shawn Howard, Lauren (Paul) Westerfield, Kristen (Nick) Whittaker and Andrew Clark, Seth (Tiffany) and Nathan (Bree) Hayden, Nicole (Ryan) Johnson, Rony (Erin) Jones, Chelsea and Amber Isbill, and her precious thirteen great grandchildren, all of Owensboro area.
In addition to her parents, Laura was proceeded in death by her older sister Mary Ann Lindsey in 2023. Her remaining siblings are Joesph “Buddy” (Linda) Roby Jr., Russell Roby, Karen Wells and Mary Michael Thompson, plus numerous nieces and nephews.
A private mass and memorial service will be held at the Carmel Home, on Tuesday March 11, 2025, and she will be entombed at Resurrection Cemetery.
A special thank you to the nurses and staff at Heartford House for their loving care and support of Laura and her family, as well as the compassion, support, and consideration from the staff at Carmel Home.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to The Heartford House and Hospice of Western KY at 3419 Wathen’s Crossing, Owensboro, KY 42301, and Carmel Home at 2501 Old Hartford Rd, Owensboro, KY 42303.
Haley McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory is honored and privileged to be entrusted with Laura Jean Hayden’s care. Please leave condolences, memories and messages for the family of Laura Jean Hayden at her virtual guestbook at www.haleymcginnis.com.