Mildred E. Hayton

10/11/25

Millie Yorks Hayton, February 21,1936-October 11, 2025. With her smile that could light up a room, Millie left this world peacefully with her “kids” by her side. She was 89.

Born in Lima (Honeoye Falls), NY. She was the baby of 5 children born to Albert and Anna Nau Yorks. She spent her early days on the family farm in Honeoye Falls, getting into trouble with her beloved brothers and sisters. She graduated from Honeoye Falls/Lima High School and entered the workforce.

She raised her two children (with her deceased ex-husband Carl Hayton) in Pittsford, NY. She was known for her huge vegetable garden and wonderful home-cooked meals.

When she left Pittsford, she moved back to Lima, where she remained until the age of 86. She returned to the workforce as a reservation specialist at AAA of Rochester, NY, where she would retire after 25 years of service. Her job afforded her many opportunities to travel across the country and around the world for work and with her family and friends. Her favorite place to travel was Disney World, where her family will never forget her jubilation and joy. She will forever be singing “It’s a Small World” in her family's heads, which was incidentally her favorite ride.

She doted on her children, grandsons, and great-granddaughters. Her laughter and joy at the holidays and family vacations created many new memories for Millie and her family. She was so proud of each and every one of them. They are all her crowning achievements and lasting legacy. Time spent with them was cherished and always followed by her saying, “Thanks for giving me new memories.”

Through the years, the time spent with her sisters and brothers was a gift to her. Their incredible bond was special and enviable. Every family member has fond memories of the family reunions they planned, the food they made, and the dancing. Dancing with the stars could not rival them doing the jitterbug and polka!

Her most recent years were spent in Canandaigua, NY, where she lived in “her dream” townhouse for 2 years. She loved exploring the city, eating at new restaurants, and taking walks down by the lake. She even discovered the best Strawberry ice cream she had ever had in her life at “the Creamery”.

This past year was spent in Auburn, NY, at an amazing assisted living facility where she led an invigorating, fun-filled last year of her life. Here, she loved watching her birds and going on drives to Montezuma to see the eagles and other waterfowl.

We will remember her first and foremost for her smile. Her love of coffee, cookies, and ICE CREAM (especially strawberry), and her love of watching sporting events, whether it was her grandsons playing in their various sports or just going to a local high school football game. She was an avid baseball fan and rooted for her Mets (Pete Alonzo in particular) until the end. Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills were also a favorite.

Millie was predeceased by her sisters, Barbara Ford (Ted), Marian Smith (Larry), and her brothers, Robert Yorks (Doris) and Ronnie (Barb).

She leaves behind her children, Steven Hayton of Honeoye, NY, and Bonnie Cunningham of Skaneateles, NY. Her grandsons, Thomas Cunningham (Lauren) of Skaneateles (daughters Savannah and Tennyson), and Justin Cunningham (Trisha Hoadley) (daughter, Paxton). Many beloved nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews who all have cherished memories of her.

There will be no services. A celebration of life will be held at a later date, still to be determined.

Contributions can be made to: Westminster Manor, 81 South Street, Auburn, NY 13021. Remember “Millie” dancing to Glenn Miller’s Moonlight Serenade wherever her soul may be!

To send condolences, visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.