Judith Marie Hayden, 84, of Paducah, passed away on August 6, 2026, surrounded by her family. Judy was born in Graves County, Kentucky, to the late Virgil and Lucille Shanks Wilson.
In 1959, Judy married the love of her life, William Thomas Hayden, and they spent the next 67 years building a beautiful life together. She was a loving and devoted wife, and found some of her happiest, most peaceful moments sitting with Tommy on the front porch, gently swinging side by side.
Time spent with family brought Judy great joy. Countless meals were prepared and shared around the kitchen table, celebrating holidays and simple, ordinary days. Judy was an excellent cook and was well known for making delicious homemade desserts.
Judy had a special way of finding happiness in the simple things. She grew tomatoes and sold them from an honor-system stand at her home, and used the money to enjoy one of her favorite pastimes-playing bingo at the local Catholic church summer picnics.
She believed in “retail therapy” and took great pleasure in shopping for herself and everyone she loved. She took pride in finding a bargain and was eager to show others the wonderful things she found. She believed no outfit was complete without plenty of colorful jewelry. Judy retired from H&R Block after 42 years of dedicated service. She had a natural gift for numbers and math which made her exceptionally skilled at her work.
Judy is survived by her husband, Tommy Hayden; two daughters, Suzy Hack (Chester) of Paducah, Cathy Hayden (Kerrie Peck) of Paducah; two sons, Keith Hayden (Donna) of Paducah, Randy Hayden (Renee) of Paducah; one brother, Kenny Wilson (Joyce) of Mayfield; 10 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three sisters, Betty Hendrickson, Linda Givens, and Mary Rose Carlson; three brothers, Vernon Wilson, Wayne Wilson, and Tommy Wilson.
Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church with Rev. Stephen Than officiating. Burial will follow the service at Mt. Carmel Cemetery.
Visitation will be held on Monday, August 10, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to: St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 116 S. 6th St., Paducah, KY 42001.
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