Carol Dee Hays, 78, of Blue Springs, Missouri, passed away on March 10, 2026. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Carol was born on January 27, 1948, in Manchester, Iowa, the daughter of Beryl and Elizabeth McConnell of Bowling Green, Missouri. Carol grew up in Iowa until the family moved to the Kansas City area in 1964, where she attended and graduated from North Kansas City High School in 1966. The McConnell family moved to Bowling Green, Missouri, in 1969, where she eventually met her husband, Richard (Rick) Hays of Vandalia, Missouri. The two were married on April 18, 1977. Rick and Carol settled in Blue Springs, Missouri, where they raised their three children: Jennifer, Rikki, and Ryan. Carol worked at Commerce Bank as a Commercial Loan Officer for nearly 30 years before moving to First American Title, where she retired in 2020. While working full time and raising a family, Carol also earned an Associate’s Degree from a local community college. Carol was an avid reader who loved history and learning. She was also a Kansas City Chiefs season ticket holder who rarely missed a game. Carol and Rick spent much of their spare time at their farm in Brookfield, Missouri. Carol loved to travel and, over the last 20 years, visited every continent except Antarctica. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend who enriched the lives of all who knew her.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Beryl Edward McConnell and Emily Elizabeth Winter McConnell, both of Bowling Green, Missouri; her father-in-law, Billy Joe Hays of Vandalia, Missouri; and her granddaughter, Dallas Lynn Frisbey of Independence, Missouri.
Carol is survived by her husband, Richard Hays of Blue Springs, Missouri; her daughter, Jennifer Frisbey of Independence, Missouri; her daughter, Rikki Hays Clawson (David) of Blue Springs, Missouri; her son, Ryan Hays (Barbara) of Blue Springs, Missouri; nine grandchildren: Preston Frisbey (Madison), Kaitlyn Frisbey (Paulina), Tanner Frisbey, Alex Schultz (Ian), Seth Hammond (Abigail), Regan Hays, Reece Hays, ScottLyn Clawson, and Emilee Ann Clawson; one great-grandson, Maverick; her sister, Sherry Halfast (Richard) of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; her brother, Dave McConnell (Beverly) of Florida; her mother-in-law, Betty Hays of Vandalia, Missouri; and many beloved brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.
Carol will be remembered for her strength, curiosity, and unwavering love for her family. Whether cheering on the Chiefs, traveling the world, or spending quiet time with a good book, she embraced life fully and shared that joy with those around her. Her legacy lives on through the family she loved deeply and the many lives she touched.
Submitted by Family
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home Grain Valley, MO 64029 816-847-4441