Erlene Hayes Ewing

Erlene Hayes Ewing went home to the loving arms of her Lord and Savior on September 14, 2025, in Villa Hills, Kentucky, at the age of 94.  She was born on November 27, 1930, to the late John Morgan Hayes and Audrey Lewis Hayes of Sunnyside, Warren County, Kentucky.

Erlene lived an amazing and blessed life.  She married her husband, the late John T. Ewing, in 1952 and they moved to Madisonville, Kentucky to start their new life and business.  She was a steadfast partner in their endeavor of Madisonville Dental Lab, sometimes working the day to day, but always keeping books.  They later owned Kentucky Fried Chicken franchises and she continued keeping the books, doing payroll and helping to open all of their restaurants.  Their affiliation with KFC afforded them the opportunity to travel to national conventions and regional meeting which she really loved.  She was always ready to go. 

Erlene was very active in their church, First Presbyterian Church of Madisonville.  While participating in women's activities, she frequently hosted and lead their Circle.  All aspects of the group's activities were enjoyable to her and particularly liked working the chili suppers and rummage sales. 

As a couple, Erlene and John relished the times they spent touring the country on their motorcycles with their friends and spouses.  They were able to see the best of our great country by getting off of the main roads.  

Erlene was dedicated to her family.  She was preceded in death by her infant son, Steven Thomas Ewing, and was blessed with two more children, daughters Kathy Sue Ewing Hibbs (Doug) and Karen Kay Ewing Eberts (Steve).  She made sure that they were raised to be strong women and was determined for them to be independent.  She joyfully participated in all of the parent activities, especially room mother, and helped with anything needed at the school.

The light of her life was her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  They always lifted her up.  She will be forever cherished by her grandchildren, Matthew Hibbs (Dana), Emily Gress (Glenn), Sarah Vanover (Derek) and Hannah Eberts (Jake).  The great grandchildren, Ethan Hibbs, Hattie Vanover, Glenn Gress, Lucas Vanover, Aiden Hibbs, and Grace Gress always kept her on her toes.  They all loved to accompany her for a lake trip.  She also leaves many nieces and nephews and one sister-in-law, Delores Hayes. 

In addition to those previously mentioned, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert Hayes (Louise) and Harry Hayes, as well as three sisters, Mabel Mays (Hubert), Virginia Kolson (Robert) and Sue Myers (Cecil).

We will celebrate her life on Friday, September 19, 2025, at Hardy & Son Funeral Home, Bowling Green Chapel, Bowling Green, Kentucky, with visitation from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and the service at 1:00 p.m. Interment will be at Smiths Grove Cemetery, Smiths Grove, Kentucky following the service.  Pallbearers will be Matthew Hibbs, Glenn Gress, Derek Vanover, Jake Diana, Steve Eberts and Doug Hibbs.