Emma Lou Hays

Emma Lou Hays

Emma Lou Hays, 79, of Kirksville, Missouri passed away Thursday, May 14, 2015.

The daughter of Marvin and Maude Morehead, she was born March 2, 1936 In Kirksville, Missouri. Emma Lou lived in Brashear and attended public schools there and graduated from Brashear High School with the Class of 1953. On July 24, 1953 in Brashear, Missouri, she married Benny Leroy Hays and into this marriage three children were born.

Emma Lou is survived by one daughter, Carol A Byars and husband Larry Byars of Kirksville, two sons, Larry Joe Hays and wife Carol of Kirksville and son Douglas Lee Hays of Kirksville Missouri; One brother, Benny Burt Morehead of Kirksville, seven grandchildren, Meg Grinde, Heidi Hays, Corey Hays, Tyler Hays, Carli Hays, Aaron Hays, and Jessye Hays; two step grandchildren, Lyndsay Hinkebein and Jennifer Lewis; four great grandchildren, one brother in law, and several nieces and nephews.

Among other loved ones too numerous to mention, she was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin and Maude Morehead, one grandson Luke Grinde, one brother Bill Morehead, one sister Shirlene Killday, and one sister in law Phyllis Morehead.

After a brief career as a nurse’s aide Emma Lou’s life work was as a devoted homemaker, housewife, and mother. She was a hard worker and labored over the tasks of, remodeling, selling and building new homes along with her husband. Her home was her sanctuary and everything was always in its place and spotless. She made every holiday special with her cooking and decorating and Sunday dinners were a looked forward to event for years.

She liked to laugh and loved being around the kids and grandkids. She enjoyed playing basketball in her youth and would share her stories with the family. She also enjoyed watching the sport, as well as a good game of tennis and baseball. She lived at the ballpark when her kids were young.

Emma Lou was best known for her fun loving spirit. In her day she was a tough and vibrant gal and will be sadly missed by her family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday (May 18, 2015) at Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home with Dan Todd officiating.

Visitation with the family will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Monday at the

Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home
2100 E. Shepherd Ave.
Kirksville, MO 63501 660-665-2233

Memorials are suggested to the American Lung Association.