"Ginny and Merlin Hays were held in such high regard at Lake Okoboji where we also have a home. Each summer they were part of our family gatherings, which often featured Ginny's famous fried Okoboji fish (caught by Merlin, of course) and her much prized watermelon pickles. They were always so warm and welcoming to everyone and will be missed. With fond regards, Cindy Cook-Pruitt and Paul Pruitt"
In loving memory of
Virginia Hays
July 30, 1930 - November 7, 2020
Virginia "Ginny" Carol Hays, daughter of Elmer and Lela (Gorvin) Sievers was born on July 30, 1930 in Oxford, Iowa. She graduated from City High in Iowa City with the class of 1948. On September 13, 1950, Virginia was united in marriage to Merlin B. Hays at the First Presbyterian Church in Iowa City. They moved to Fort Dodge, Iowa where Merlin worked at Fort Dodge Laboratories and Virginia was a homemaker. Together they had four children. Upon retirement, they made their home at Lake Okoboji on the south shore of West Lake. Winters were spent at Dreamland Villa in Mesa, Arizona. Following Merlin's death in 2011, Virginia chose to permanently move back to Fort Dodge and made her home at Friendship Haven.
No matter where Ginny called home, she always made people around her feel like family. She loved her Fort Dodge family from their "working" years, her lake family from the summers and "retirement" years at Okoboji and her "snowbird" family in Mesa. Ginny loved being with people, going to church, attending PEO meetings, enjoying meals with family and friends, playing cards, dancing to music of the 40's and 50's, attending her children's activities, and her grandchildren's graduations. If someone dropped in for a visit, she was never without something sweet to serve with a cup of coffee, usually one of her homemade cookies.
Ginny's earthly life ended on Saturday, November 7th. She will be missed by many family, friends and acquaintances. But her life is not done. She had a firm faith in her Savior, Jesus so her real life has just begun in His presence. She is survived by her four children, Ken (Marquita) Hays of Fort Dodge, IA, Margery (Craig) Hall of Meeteetse, WY, Paul (Lynn) Hays of Urbandale, IA, and Keith (Lori) Hays of Mound, MN. Also mourning her loss are her nine grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, one sister, Leanna (Jim) Zimmer of Cedar Falls, IA and two brothers Gile (Doris)Sievers of Newton, NC and Larry Sievers of Iowa City, IA.
Virginia was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 61 years, Merlin B. Hays, her parents, and her brother, Loren.
In lieu of flowers, suggested memorials are the Friendship Haven Good Samaritan Fund or the First Presbyterian Church Deacon's Memorial Fund.
Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at First Presbyterian Church. Burial will follow in North Lawn Cemetery. A visitation will be 1 hour prior to the start of the service at the church. Masks are required and also social distancing.
Tributes
"As you know your parents were so well liked where ever they lived. Your father was my husband's boss at the Fort Dodge Laboratories at one time. Your parents always treated us like they had known us all our lives. We moved away from FD and ended up in Mesa AZ, When we heard your parents were coming out here in the winter, we got together for coffee, meals and to play 500!! Your mom was such a delightful hostess. Your dad and I had the most fun playing 500 as we would laugh, I would laugh at your dad's poems and your mom and Alan would look at us like, you two are nuts!! When you dad passed we were at Dreamland for the social time with the family and friends,we did see you all then. When you mom told us she was moving back to FD, we were both sad, but knew she wanted to be near her family. Your parents will always be in our thoughts and prayers. You 4 had some great parents and they were so proud of you all. We always enjoyed hearing about you all. Your mother will be missed by many. Vickie and Alan Angell Mesa AZ "
"As you know, Ginny, was a wonderful woman and I certainly enjoyed getting to know her in Mesa, IA where we wintered. She was our Dreamland President (P.E.O. Social group) for many years and did an excellent job. I admired her and her German strength after Merlin passed away. I'm sure she is in Heaven with him and all of her family who have gone on before her. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Karen Russell, Colfax, Iowa"
"So sorry to hear about your Mom. I used to visit with her at First Presbyterian Church and had told her I had gone to school with Ken and Marge. We had many nice visits. She was such a neat lady. So pleasant and always had a smile on her face. I?m so glad I got to spend some time with her. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of your family. Luanne Akins"
"Ginny was a dear friend and devoted sister to me through T.T.T. She was always greeting everyone with her beautiful broad smile and true interest in whomever she was speaking. We were blessed to have her serve our chapter in anyway we were asked her hand was one of the first to be raised to volunteer! She loved the lake and how much Merlin enjoyed fishing and puttering around. Ginny was truly a lady and it was my honor to know her....Jane Hummel"
"I was so blessed to have Ginny as a P.E.O. sister! She was a very loving, gentle person, and always had a warm smile for everyone! I enjoyed the few times I ?ran into? Ginny when visiting my Mom at Friendship Haven! She will be missed greatly and remembered fondly by many! ???"
"I was a TTT sister of Ginny's for many years. What a sweet lady! I will never forget her beautiful smile and kind heart. Heaven gained one of the best."
"I have memories of talking with Ginny and Merlin when they lived at the lakes. I met them through my deceased ex-husband, Ralph Shortley, whose family lived on Pocahontas Point. He also used to install the hoist and Ginny would always bring him a bag of homemade cookies to snack on as he cruised around the lake installing hoists. Ginny was always a delight to talk with. "
"Our sympathies on the loss of your mother Kent and Diane ( Udermann) McClurg Gainesville TX "
"We were sorry to learn of Ginny?s passing. Her bright smile will be missed. I knew Ginny through church and PEO in Fort Dodge. When we moved to Okoboji we reacquainted through church and she invited me to join her PEO chapter. She was a tireless worker in any organization she joined. People loved her! She was gracious, kind and humble. She loved her family and always talked about her grandchildren. She was proud of her family. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family! Steve and Karrey Lindeberg"
"Virginia Hays (always Mrs. Hays to me) was a lovely, gracious lady who always made me feel welcome when I visited the Electric House. She and her husband were the kindest people! My thoughts and prayers are with Ken, Marge, Paul and Keith and their families. Andrew Kobs"
"Ginny was the sweetest most generous woman ever! She always had a smile and such a positive outlook on life and LOVED her family so. She (and Merlin) were the best neighbors at the lake you could ever wish for. What a beautiful soul, may she rest in peace and take comfort in the fact that she is reunited with her true love. With sympathy, Deedee and Randy Johnson"
"We are so sorry to read of Ginny?s passing. We will always feel connected to her since we both loved the same home for many years. It was always an honor to have her return to visit. She will be missed! Cindy & Jon Schuman "