Lanita Gail Draffen Hayes, 71, of Paducah, passed away on October 10, 2026, at St. Thomas Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee.
Born November 16, 1954, she was a proud 1972 graduate of Lone Oak High School and retired after a 27-year career as a Compliance Officer with the Kentucky Department of Revenue.
Lanita treasured life's simple joys, including attending concerts with her daughter, listening to Elvis Presley and Hank Williams, Jr., and vacationing in Gatlinburg with her husband. One of her most cherished memories was a special trip to Hawaii with her husband. She also adored her three dogs, Freya, Katie, and Thor, and treasured spending time with her family.
She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Shirrel Hayes II; her daughter, Sherry Scillion and husband Evert of Benton; two brothers, Ronnie Draffen and wife Nancy of Paducah, and Johnnie Draffen and wife Brenda of Paducah; three grandchildren, Dustin Shoulta, Zachary Scillion and wife Makayla, and Hunter Scillion and wife Hannah; five great-grandchildren, McKinley Scillion, Macklin Scillion, Piper Scillion, Chip Scillion, and Lucy Scillion; and her beloved dogs.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Clifton and Barbara June Draffen, and one brother, Edwin Ray Draffen.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the Lone Oak Chapel of Milner & Orr Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Houser Grove Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the 1:00 pm service time at the Lone Oak Chapel of Milner & Orr Funeral Homes.
You may leave a message for the family or light a candle at www.milnerandorr.com.
