MADISONVILLE – Ella Delores Vinson Hawes, 91, died at 11:15 a.m. Thursday, January 15, 2026, surrounded by loving family at Ridgewood Terrace in Madisonville. Born April 12, 1934, to the late Ray and Ella Marie Barnhart in Tulsa, Okla. She lived many years in Michigan before moving to Kentucky in 1978. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Thomas Eldred Vinson (1967-1999), husband Andre Hawes (2006-2010), daughter Karen Matters, and sister Louise Knuttel.
She was a Christian and attended Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church for several years, a dedicated member, officer, and past Worthy Matron of Bremen Eastern Star #96. She led an active life, including doting on grandchildren, loving to travel, playing games, and reading.
Survivors include her daughters Marilyn (Gary) Hinkle Waske of Wyandotte, Mich., Lisa (Steven) Harris of Madisonville, and sons Barry (Teresa) Vinson of Bremen, and Mike (Cathy) Vinson of Greenville. Grandchildren include Zachary Waske, Kimberly Robbins, Jerad Hiltunen, Ryan Hiltunen, Laura Armstrong, Stephanie Allen, Sherry Tapp, Tom Vinson, Jeremy Vinson, Lelia Anne Walker, Brooke Guffy, and Brittany Sharp. Ella left twenty-one great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; and one sister, Beverly (Jim) Rodriguez of Michigan.
The family wishes to thank these compassionate caregivers, who went above and beyond: Misty, Shannon, Jeannie, Gayle, Tammy, Tonya, Toni, Kealyn, Jana, and Andrea. Grandsons will serve as pall bearers.
Funeral services will be Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 11 a.m. at Tucker Funeral Home in Central City with Bro. Bill Bursztynski officiating. Burial in Corley Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday from 9-11 a.m. at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.tuckerfuneralhomes.com.
