Mary Jane Hays, 91, of Kearney, Mo., passed away peacefully on September 9, 2017. Mary was born on September 28, 1925 to Clannie and Faye Yardley of Milan, Mo. Mary grew up near Milan, Mo., and told many childhood stories of riding her horse or walking for miles in the snow to get to school, playing with nearby cousins, and other trials and joys of living in the country. In 1942, Mary married Leonard Hays of Green City, Mo., and they were married for 70 years until his death. Mary and Leonard raised three sons and enjoyed five grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
After moving to Claycomo, Mo., Mary had several jobs including her final job as a manager of Long’s Restaurant in Liberty, Mo. She was always proud to bring in her grandchildren to the restaurant and show them off to all of the customers. Mary also participated as a volunteer with the Platte Clay organization and was active in the OATS program once she was a Kearney resident.
Mary enjoyed many activities including quilting, crocheting, sewing and gardening. She loved to play cards, especially the game of Pitch and would play for hours with family and friends. Mary loved to travel and would adventure anywhere she could find a friend or family member to accompany her. Mary loved her home in Kearney which brought her great joy until the end of her life and was the favorite gathering place for family and friends to enjoy the holidays, barbeques, and lazy summer days. Mary’s greatest love of all was her family. Everything in her life revolved around her sons and their families. She never missed a birthday, graduation or any important family event and she would do anything for her family.
Mary is survived by her three sons, Gerald Hays and wife, Nancy of Kearney, Mo., Jim Hays and wife, Caroline of Urbana, Mo., and Gary Hays and wife, Linda of Parkville, Mo. She leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Michelle Fine and husband, Jay, Cheryl Lowden and husband, Alan, Cody Hays and wife, Amanda, Jarred Hays, and Jenna Hays. Mary was blessed with her great grandchildren, Carley Fine, Cole Fine, Taylor Fine, Jack Lowden and Katie Lowden. Mary also leaves behind four step grandchildren and their families, Stacy Miller, Devon Mitchell, Matthew Mitchell, and Megan Brame.
A special thanks to all of the family and caregivers who gave her comfort in her final days.
Visitation will be held at Fry-Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, 208 S. Jefferson Street, Kearney, Mo., on Friday, September 15, 2017. Following visitation, a graveside service will take place at Mount Olivet Cemetary, Kearney, Mo.