Kyra Hayes, age 16, of Ellsworth, Wisconsin died Friday, October 21, 2016 as a result of an auto accident.

Funeral service for Kyra will be Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Rush River Lutheran Church, rural River Falls.
Visitation will be on Tuesday from 3-8 p.m. at Rush River Lutheran Church and 1 hour prior to the service at church on Wednesday.

Survived by parents: Luke and Ione Hayes; siblings: Rachel, Ethan and Cole; aunts and uncles: Valerie and Steve Johnson; Annette and Brian Kelley; Anna; Tom and Amy Knutson; Jim and Paula Knutson; God Mother Shari Owen; Tammy and Kenny Scamp; Zeb and Tiffany Hayes; grandfather Daniel (Jeanne Johnson) Hayes and grandmother Elaine Hayes; many cousins, other relatives and friends.

   Kyra’s story starts July 17, 2000 in River Falls, Wisconsin. The youngest child of Luke and Ione Hayes. She was welcomed into her family by her three older siblings: Rachael Hope Hayes, Ethan Wayne Hayes, Cole Charles Hayes. They fell in love the moment they saw her.
Kyra was born into a large family including aunts and uncles: Valerie and Steve Johnson; Annette and Brian Kelley; Anna Hoey; Donnie Hines; Tom and Amy Knutson; Jim and Paula Knutson; Tammy and Kenny Scamp; and Zeb and Tiffany Hayes; God Mother Shari Owen; grandparents Arnold and Iola Knutson, Daniel Hayes (Jeanne Johnson), Elaine Hayes, as well as many cousins, other relatives and friends.  
   Kyra was an active member in her forensics team at Ellsworth High School. She was a talented speaker and actress and made it to the state level competition both years she competed. At the local competitions she placed time and time again. Her family could not be prouder of her hard work and talent.
   Kyra dedicated her free time to the pursuit of music and her faith. After playing her sister, Rachael’s Ukulele she asked for one for her birthday and Rachael took her to buy one. She then spent the next year playing and practicing incessantly.   She enjoyed singing in her school choir and on special occasions at her church.  She was actively involved in her church. She helped with Vacation Bible School, Sunday School, went on multiple church sponsored trips, from Feed my Starving Children to snow tubing to backpacking in the boundary waters the list is endless. Kyra spent 2 years volunteering at Luther Point Bible Camp as a part of B.U.D.D.I.E.S. and made amazing connections and memories there.
Her love and devotion to her family and God is shown time and time again throughout Kyra’s life in everything she did. She supported her friends when they were struggling, always had a sassy quip in her back pocket and lit up every room she walked into. It’s hard to imagine a world without this amazing young woman.  She was welcomed into paradise by her Savior and her Beloved Grandma Iola and Grandpa Arnold.
   Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at 11 a.m. at Rush River Lutheran Church, rural River Falls.  Visitation will be on Tuesday, October 25 from 3-8 p.m. at Rush River Lutheran and on Wednesday for one hour prior to the service at the church.  Rev Dave Teig will officiate the service.  Special music will be provided by pianist Mariah Williamson, vocalists Val Wells, and Julie Knutson.