Elva Hakes

Our beautiful and talented Mother, Elva Henshaw Sirles Hakes returned to her Heavenly Father Feb 16, 2016. Born Dec. 25, 1932 to Charles Ruffin and Hester  Henshaw in Chesterfield County, Va. Married James W. Sirles in  the Mesa Temple  in Arizona June 27,1950.

Mom put her heart and soul into raising her four children, whom she cherished above all. She loved to sing and our home was often filled with the sweet sound of her voice. Mom was a strong believer in the benefits of hard work. She was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served in many church callings which she loved. After the children were grown, she broke out of her mold and after 27 years as a housewife and mother, became a successful entrepreneur, founding and operating Uptown Limousine and several other enterprises in New Orleans, La. During this time she met and married Mel Hakes on May 5, 1991.

Sadly after a full and vibrant life, Mom had to endure the long, confusing descent into Alzheimer's, through which she suffered greatly. Each of her daughters cared for her during the varying stages of this terrible disease. Toni, through the harsh and bitter first stages, gave of her time and love selflessly, to consolidate Mom's assets and give her the ever increasing level of care she required. As her need for care increased Kelsie, Dee, and Jim opened their homes to her and continued until it became necessary for her to enter a care facility. Thanks to Son-in-law Dennis Strong and Daughter- in-law Debi Sirles for the love and care they gave, as though she were their own Mother.

Many thanks to Darlene Rees and the staff at Legacy House for their kind attention for our Mother's care.

Elva was preceded in death by her parents, sister Carlyn Hall and her second husband, Mel Hakes.

What a happy reunion. Survived by first husband James W. Sirles, son James R. Sirles (Debi), Daughters Dee Sirles, Kelsie Strong (Dennis), and Toni Sirles. Nine Grandchildren who love their Mamaw dearly. Eight great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.

Elva will be sorely missed by all who knew and love her, but we are comforted by the knowledge that her suffering in this life is over and that she is securely wrapped in the love of God.

Funeral services will be held, Sunday, February 21, 2016 at 2:00 pm at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 295 N. Main St., Bountiful, Utah. A viewing will be from 1:00 – 1:45pm prior to funeral services. 

Elva will be entombed at Lake Lawn Cemetery in Metairie La. next to Mel. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Alzheimer's Foundation of America. Www.alzfdn.org.