Ann Hays, 100, of Hutchinson, died May 29, 2023, two days shy of her 101st birthday, at Legends of Hutchinson. She was born Esther Ann Smith in Spearman, TX, on May 31, 1922, to Miles M. and Esther M. (Sargent) Smith.
Ann graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1938 and soon after graduated from Adela Hale Business College. After graduation she worked at F.E. Perry Lumber Company before beginning her career with Dillon & Sons, she soon became the Personal Secretary to Paul Dillon retiring after 39 years.
Ann was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Ann enjoyed needlepoint, embroidering, cooking and baking but had a very special talent and unique love for chip carving on wood.
On June 5, 1940, she married Edward D. Hays, in Hutchinson, KS. They shared over 67 years of marriage before his passing on December 19, 2007.
Ann is survived by: daughter, Sherry Barnhart; son, Steve (Robbie) Hays; grandchildren, Rhonda (Gary) Kretzer; Scott (Shari) Barnhart; Travis Hays; Katie (Luke) Bryan; and eight great-grandchildren.
Ann is preceded in death by: her parents; husband, Edward D. Hays; son-in-law, Ron Barnhart; and sisters, Etha McCaskey and Fern Fredrick.
Funeral services are scheduled for Friday, June 2, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary Chapel with Pastor Steve Hodgson and Bishop Jason Hatch presiding. Her burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may sign the book Thursday from 9 am to 8 pm at Elliott Mortuary. The family will receive friends on Friday from 1:00 p.m. until service time.
Click here to watch the funeral service for Ann Hays
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Traditions Hospice or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson KS 67501.