Evelyn “Kay” Hays, 75, died peacefully on Friday, December 30, 2016 at her home in Grain Valley, Missouri. A visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. on Monday, January 2, 2017 at Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley. A funeral service will be on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at 10:00 am. also at the funeral home; burial following in Valley Memorial Gardens, Grain Valley.
Kay was born March 8, 1941, in Green Castle, Missouri, the daughter and 3rd of eight children of Hallie and Ruth Ray. Kay had a fondness for dancing and was able to catch the eye of the love of her life, marrying Clifford Hays on April 15, 1960 in Green Castle, Missouri. Shortly after moving to Kirksville, Missouri, their family began to grow; culminating with the addition of four sons and finally, a long awaited daughter. The family settled in Grain Valley, Missouri in May, 1970 where Kay began to manifest her passion and delight for family and friends.
Kay worked at the Grain Valley School Cafeteria as the head baker for five years and subsequently served as manager for two. Her “mission” being two-fold, she kept a watchful “eye” on her children and their potential antics, in addition to becoming synonymous with the best cinnamon roll baker ever!
Kay ensuingly began employment at the Bank of Grain Valley for 21 ½ years, retiring in 2003, whereby she had the opportunity to positively impact the lives of many people in the community professionally as well as personally. Kay was a member of United Methodist Church (now Faith UMC) for 43 years. She committed her time as a Sunday school teacher, a Brownie leader and helped with Cub Scouts, in addition to serving as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. Family and friends were Kay’s passion and delight. She looked forward to the 4th Thursday of each month whereby a group of her close friends known as the “pizza ladies” met together for lunch. Supposedly only facts and no “gossip” were exchanged at these anticipated gatherings. Kay’s hobbies included reading, sewing quilts, camping with the family, and traveling to Texas for the winter. She also enjoyed cooking, teaching the granddaughters basic cooking skills and making meals for the family. Her baking of chocolate pies seemed to always culminate in family members “scheming” to see who could get to the pie quickest! Kay leaves a legacy of love for family and friends to cherish. We honor her abundant generosity of spirit, kindness toward others and enduring faith as an example to all.
Kay is survived by her husband of 56 years, Clifford Hays of the home, 5 children, Gregory (Terri) , Curtis (Tanna), Scottie (Cindy), Douglas (Dixie) and Carla (Jeff) Kleoppel; 12 grandchildren; Rachel Hays, Calvin, Kellen and Molly Hays, Kaylee and Kendall Kleoppel, Casey (Pete) Deja, Corey (Travis) Napier, Jordan (Blake) Kleoppel, Shelby Kleoppel, Quincy Reames and Sammie Reames, and 6 great grandchildren.
She is also survived by 5 sisters; Selma (Gerald) Davis, Marilou Pope, Margaret (Denny) Hayward, Connie (Spencer) Berry, Judy Harden, and 2 sisters-in-law, Jane Ray and Carolyn Ray as well as many nieces and nephews. Kay is preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Orlan and Glen Dale Ray, and two brothers-in-law, Bob Pope and Larry Harden.
The family would like to extend special thanks for the unending kindness, empathy and support provided by the Kindred Hospice staff during Kay’s illness. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Kindred Hospice, c/o Royer Funeral Home, 100 Royer Lane, Grain Valley, Missouri, 64029.
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley, MO 816-847-4441