COURTESY ANNOUNCEMENT

Robert Hayes, a lifelong resident of San Pedro died peacefully on January 15, 2026 at the age of 95. Robert Taylor Hayes was born November 24, 1930 in Electra, Texas to Herman Hayes and his wife Beatrice Law Hayes. Shortly after Robert's birth they moved their home to La Mesilla in the beautiful Espanola Valley. Their family grew with the birth of Jesse, Annabelle and Joe. Robert grew up helping with the family sand and gravel business. He attended Espanola High School where he distinguished himself as an athlete playing football, basketball and track. Robert enjoyed memories of his coaches and teammates and relayed vivid adventures. He met his future wife, Dolores Roybal on one of his team trips. When Dolores moved with her family to California, Robert followed her. They were married March 16, 1951 in Sausalito, California. The couple moved back to Espanola and purchased land in San Pedro in September 1952. Here they found home. The family grew over the years with their children Deb and husband Ricardo, Sandy and husband Art, Robert Jr., Becky, Tim and his wife Robyn and Jan. Known as Pomp to all his grand kids: Anthony and Donna, Abby and Todd, Elizabeth and Chris, Jacob, Thomas and Amelia and great grandchildren Dionicka and Anthony Jr. 

Nan and Pomp had many unique and special times, never counting out anything fun! Robert loved spending time playing with the gang' and was very proud to help build houses, ride go- carts, go fishing, fix anything, grow anything or tend to his huge garden and many beloved farm animals. During his working life, Robert took construction jobs building Abiquiu Dam, the New Mexico Capital Building and many roads and other structures. He closed his career working for Zia Company. At home he cattle ranched and farmed, taking great pride in his beautiful yard and gardens. He loved sharing his produce with relatives, friends and neighbors. Robert also kept bees and at one point had 200 hives around the Espanola Valley. He also rented hives to LANL for scientific studies and is credited in several publications. Many people in Los Alamos and Espanola know him as the Bee Man. He cherished his time at local markets selling honey, raspberries, corn and other treasures from his gardens. 

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Beatrice Hayes, sister Annabelle, brothers Jesse and Joe, his children Deborah, Sandra and Bobby and his wife of 68 years, Dolores.  Robert remained at his San Pedro home, thanks to the care and kindness of his caregiver, Bea Jimenez and a great breakfast every day. Jose Topete, his groundskeeper, kept the pride in his beautiful San Pedro property. Many thanks to neighbors and friends who checked in on him, especially Joe Garcia for a handshake nearly every day! The family is grateful to all who shared in the care of Robert, Dad, Pomp, Snapper, Bob, Mr. Hayes!

A private graveside service will be held for the family.

The family of Robert Hayes has entrusted the care of this courtesy announcement to DeVargas Funeral Home and Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley 505-747-7477.