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Marion, Ohio

Viola Hayhurst Obituary

Viola M. "Vi" Hayhurst

MARION: Viola M. "Vi" Hayhurst, age 87, of Marion, went to be with the Lord, Saturday morning, March 2, 2013, at the Marion General Hospital following a brief illness.

On December 22, 1925, Vi was born in Woodson, Illinois, the daughter of the late Clyde and Lucille (Raffety) Smith. She was raised in East St. Louis, Illinois, where she graduated from East St. Louis High School.

Shortly following graduation, Vi married a young veteran on leave from the war, Thomas Hayhurst, on September 10, 1945. They had met as children and grew up knowing they were meant for each other. They have cherished their 67 wonderful years of marriage together and lovingly raised two children: Donald and Kay.

For many years, Vi worked as a secretary for an Air Force lieutenant in Granite City, Illinois. She also was very active member of the St. Louis Christian Hospital Board of Directors and the Christian Women's Benevolence Association.

In 1968, Vi, Tom and their family moved to Marion, Ohio, because Tom was in charge of designing and building the current General Mills plant in Martel, for his company, Imbs Milling. During her time there, Vi worked at the Social Security Office, where she was instrumental in the transition from the old tele-type systems to computer systems. She worked there for over 20 years, until her retirement in 1990. She was proud to have been awarded a superior performance award for her work there.

A woman of deep faith, Vi was a member of the Mt. Vernon Ave. Church of Christ, where she enjoyed singing in the choir and had been secretary of their missions committee. Before moving to Marion, they were members of the Belleville 1st Christian Church in Belleville, Illinois, where she sang in the choir, taught Sunday School and was a youth leader.

Having a beautiful high soprano voice. Vi's life passion was singing, and she sang every opportunity she could. During World War II, she enjoyed singing in the "Victory Trio", which was a group of three women who sang at hospitals to injured soldiers, and also sang on the radio station, KWK. She enjoyed singing with the Lecture Recital Club both in Marion and St. Louis, Missouri, and at the Marion Area Senior Center. Her favorite songs to sing were hymns and old Irish songs.

Most important of all to Vi was her beloved family, all of whom she cherished.

She will be dearly missed by her husband, Tom Hayhurst of Marion; two children: Kay (Eli) Salinas of Corpus Christi, Texas, and Don (Tammy) Hayhurst of Marion; five grandchildren: Chris (Kristen) Keeran, Heather Keeran, Anthony (Stacey) Hayhurst, Tara (Mike) Roth, and Holly (Clayton) Hershner; nine great-grandchildren: Hudson and Bennett Keeran, Warner and Quinn Hayhurst, Andrew, Alexis, and Alivia Roth, and Cole and Owen Hershner.

She was preceded in death by an infant sister.

The Hayhurst family will greet friends from 4 - 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5, 2013, at the Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home, 360 E. Center St., Marion. Services celebrating her life will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m., at the Mt. Vernon Ave. Church of Christ, 947 Mt. Vernon Ave., Marion, with Pastor Phil Williams officiating. Burial will follow in Marion Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Mt. Vernon Ave. Church of Christ (address above).

Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Vi's family and your private condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.

Published by Marion Star on Mar. 4, 2013.
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6 Entries

I am so sorry to hear about Vi. Thank you Tom for calling me this evening. You and your family are in our prayers. Anita Miller 3-25-13

March 25, 2013

Don and Tamara (and family),
You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this time. Much rejoicing in heaven as they received a new saint. Lean on each other during this difficult time. God Bless

Carolyn Decker

March 5, 2013

We are so sorry for your loss. We know she deeply appreciated your journey with her to the end. May Mom rest in peace being with the Lord. Memories and her spirit will always be with you.

Don & Angie

March 4, 2013

Don, Tammy and family, Randy and I were sorry to read about your mother's passing. Please know that you will be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Randy & Michelle Curry

March 4, 2013

Tara and family,
My thoughts are with you at this sad time. Your dear grandmother was always so sweet to me. She was very proud of your singing, Tara - you had a big fan there!
Fondly,
Stephanie (Carter) Henkle

March 4, 2013

Your family is in our prayers for your loss, but we rejoice knowing Vi is with our Lord and Savior Jesus.

We have many fond memories of our time together at MVA.

Cherish your family memories and may God bless.

Bob & Phyllis

March 4, 2013

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