Audra D. Hays

Oct. 13, 1972 - June 1, 2009

Audra Dyan Hays, 36, born Oct. 13, 1972, in Anderson, passed away June 1, 2009, at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne.

Audra didn't want to be like other people, other people wanted to be like Audra. Not only was she a devoted wife to Dustin Hays, she stood by his side for almost 12 years. She gave Dustin a set of twins, Hunter and Bailey, eight years ago and to make their union complete another son was born, Walker, almost five years ago. Audra loved her children as they are blessings from God. She enjoyed everyday experiences with these children no matter how small or unique. Her family was her being.

Audra graduated from Highland High School in Anderson and Purdue University with a bachelor's degree in early childhood education with a kindergarten accreditation. She worked faithfully for nine years teaching preschool children with patience and kindness at Promiseland Preschool, under the guidance of one of her closest friends, Rita Franz, and colleague Janice Bowman. Audra attended McGrawsville United Methodist Church. Today Audra leaves behind her many friends to whom she loved so dearly.

Audra always seemed to find the time for her friends in any manner in which they needed assistance. Audra was the true meaning of a caregiver.

Everyone Audra met became a part of her life. The numerous friends whose hearts she touched include in part, Tracy Marlow Chapin, best friend since high school, Sharilyn Spohn, best friend since she met Dustin, both sisters, Autumn and Alyssa were her best friends, and of course Vivian Frieje, whom Audra found time during her busy schedule to baby-sit. With young children in her life her schedule was full of many activities — baseball practice and games with her children and of course, Dustin's baseball games too. She assisted with purchases for the concession stand, not withstanding, working it when help was short.

There was basketball, swimming, 4-H or whatever else needed to be done, Audra found a way to make it happen.

Audra will be deeply missed by her husband, Dustin; her children, Hunter, Bailey and Walker; by her sister, Autumn McCall (husband, Bill), sister, Alyssa Frazier; stepbrothers, Ryan Gott (wife, Michelle) and Bracken Gott; father, Jerry Frazier and stepmother Cindy; mother, Cathy Graham and stepfather Larry; Loren and Bernadette Hays (in laws); Lorissa (sister-in-law) and Jeremy Sweet; grandmother Pauline "Mimi" Lloyd; nieces, Alexandra McCall, Hally Sweet and Amelia Sweet; nephew, Billy McCall; aunt, Sharon Rodecap; cousins, Sharilyn Spohn (Duane) and their children, Marissa, Jarred and Garrett Spohn, and cousin, Ryan Rodecap.

A service celebrating the life of Audra Dyan Hays will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the McGrawsville United Methodist Church, 9377 S. 300E, Amboy, with Pastor Kenneth Cole officiating. Burial will be in Santa Fe Cemetery, Santa Fe, Ind.

Family and friends will gather from 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the McGrawsville United Methodist Church.

A trust fund has been established for Audra's children. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made through the funeral home to the Hays Family Fund.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home, 84 W. Main St., Peru, Ind.