Charlotte Agnes Hayek was born Oct. 24, 1937, to John and Lulu "Louise" (Gillette) Rouch in Lincoln. She passed away during a morning nap in her recliner peacefully at home on Feb. 11, 2026, at the age of 88.
Charlotte was the fourth of seven children and moved to Exeter as a young child with her parents and siblings. She graduated from Exeter High School with the class of 1955. Charlotte met the love of her life, Laverne Hayek, at a dance in Milligan. They were engaged 65 years ago on Valentine's Day, as Laverne recalls she was wearing black corduroy pants, a red sweater and curlers. They were married on May 6, 1961, at the Exeter Methodist Church.
In high school, Charlotte worked part time at the Exeter Theater and at the Fillmore County News in Exeter. She worked at the Exeter Tag Factory prior to her marriage. Laverne and Charlotte together made their home on a farm 7.5 miles south and 1 mile west of Friend until they moved into Friend in December 2016. Charlotte was a dedicated farm wife and was busy raising their children with their many activities.
Charlotte gardened until it was determined that she was allergic to most plants and animals on the farm. They were blessed with four children: Darrel Laverne (1962), Diane Lynn (1963), Dale Leroy (1965), and Dean Lee (1969). Charlotte cherished friendships and enjoyed visiting with her friends over a cup of coffee or in later years by the telephone. Laverne and Charlotte enjoyed traveling to visit relatives, on bus tours, taking cruises, despite their initial apprehension. They enjoyed cruises to the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Hawaii, Alaska, and the Danube River in Europe.
Laverne and Charlotte had celebrations for their 25th, 40th, 50th, and 60th wedding anniversaries and were looking forward to being married 65 years in May. Playing cards was something Charlotte looked forward to. The family played 10-point pitch and pinochle at gatherings. Over the years, card parties with friends were treasured times. Charlotte started playing bridge with her sister, Susan, and was delighted in joining to play with various bridge clubs.
Family was important to Charlotte, She took great pride in all of her children and grandchildren. Charlotte endured many health challenges through the years and loved the time she was able to share with her great-granddaughters.
Charlotte is survived by her husband, Laverne; children, Darrel Hayek, Diane (Hayek) and Terrance O'Neel, and Dale Hayek; grandchildren, Danielle and Samuel Pendleton and Ethan O'Neel; great-grandchildren, Natalie Pendleton and Madison Pendleton; sister and sister and brother-in-laws, Elizabeth (Betty) and Jerry Winslow, Richard Perkins, and Ronald and Marilyn Hayek; several nieces, nephew, cousins, and numerous friends.
Charlotte is preceded in death by her youngest son, Dean Hayek; parents, John and Louise Rouch; siblings, John Rouch, Robert Rouch, Joanne Rouch, Susan Perkins and William Rouch.
Visitation will be Sunday, Feb. 15, from 1 - 8 p.m. with family greeting and recieving friends and relatives from 5 - 7 p.m. at the Lauber Funeral Home in Friend.
The funeral service will be Monday, Feb. 16, at 10:30 a.m. at the Friend United Methodist Church. The Funeral Service will be livestreamed. Please go to the Lauber Funeral and Cremation Services Facebook site ten minutes prior to the service to tune in. You may need to follow our Facebook page to be able to view the livestream. The graveside service will be Monday, Feb. 16, at 2 p.m. at the Bohemian National Cemetery, Milligan, following the funeral luncheon. Memorial contributions are suggested to the family for a future designation.
Arrangements by Lauber Funeral and Cremation Services of Friend.
