Virginia Ruth (Coffman) Hays Obituary (1932 - 2020)

Virginia Ruth Hays, 88, of Hector, passed away Friday, May 29, 2020, at Superior Health & Rehab in Conway. The daughter of Robert and Nora (Condley) Coffman, she was born February 7, 1932, in Russellville. She married Raymond Odell Hays on May 7, 1949, in the Welcome Home Community, and resided in the Appleton community. She was a faithful member of the Welcome Home Free Will Baptist church. She served as President of the Women's Auxiliary, taught all age groups in Sunday School, served as youth leader for many years, and served as Church Clerk for 34 years. She loved studying God' Word and was a member of Bible Study Fellowship. Virginia loved working with children. She was the first teacher/director of the Head Start program in Appleton, then moved to the Russellville Central office as Specialist and Assistant Head Start Director, where she enjoyed a long and rewarding career. She loved working with staff, parents and the children making lifelong friends with many. Known as Granny by her beloved grandchildren, she loved spending time with family, cooking Sunday dinners, playing board games and working puzzles. She also enjoyed sewing, crocheting, and most recently enjoyed her birds at the bird feeders. She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Dennis Hays; a daughter, Debra Woods; and six sisters. She is survived by her husband of 71 years, Raymond Hays; their daughter, Linda Sunner (Rick) of Swansea, IL; their son, Tim Hays (Christy) of Hector; their son-n-law, Dave Woods of Lexington, VA.; nine grandchildren: Karen Ehrlich (Taylor), Stuart Bartlett (Lan), Stacy McCaslin, Matthew Gregory (Yenny), Sarah Loveless (Todd), Josh Woods, Amanda Watts (Patrick), Christopher Hays (Erika), and Rustin Hays. Sixteen great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and relatives. A private family service will be held, Tuesday, June 2, 2020, at Welcome Home Free Will Baptist Church near Hector. Rev. Ken Lynn and Rev. Donnie Hannah will officiate. Burial will be at Walnut Grove Cemetery in Hector by Humphrey Funeral Service. Memorials may be made to the Walnut Grove Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund, 1464 Welcome Home Road, Hector, AR 72843. Internet obituary and on-line guest book are available at www.humphreyfuneral.com.