Mary Lou Hays

Mary Lou Hays, 92, passed away Thursday, November 20, daughters at her side. Mary Lou was born March 29, 1933, in St Louis, MO, a daughter of Harry E. and Alma (Elliott) Lindhorst. She graduated valedictorian of the Holy Rosary High School class of 1950. Mary Lou married Frank Hays on September 8, 1952, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Monroe City, MO.

Mary Lou was a full-time mom to five children. She raised her children with unwavering devotion; modeling compassion, resilience, and faith – as well as the importance of volunteering within the church, school, and community. When her youngest went to school, she began working at Sears, Roebuck and Co. in Quincy. Starting at the switchboard, she was promoted, and spent most of her 25-year career as the Personnel Manager and store trainer. Sears, and her coworkers, remained an important part of her life after retiring.

Mary Lou treasured time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the many friends she made through the years. She was a master card player, participating in a variety of card clubs. She could be found "practicing" before the card group met, to ensure her mind was focused on the type of card game that would be played. Her grandchildren were proficient card players under her tutelage.

Many weekends were spent with family and friends at the "Hays Hideaway" river camp. And, after moving to Spring Lake, the neighborhood knew if the garage door was open they were welcome to stop by.

While Mary Lou was a social person who enjoyed being with family and friends, March Madness was a time she did not want to be disturbed. While she enjoyed most sports, basketball was a favorite due to her being a scrappy guard on the Holy Rosary basketball team.

Mary Lou was a member of Blessed Sacrament Church.

Survivors Include her children: Diane (Fred) Weber, Karla (Francis) Richmond, Lisa (Mike) Irvine, and Sharon (Steve) Vahlkamp; daughter-in-law Judy Hays; brother Paul Lindhorst and sister Regina Lindhorst. Grandchildren: Mike Irvine, Mandy (Joel) Swisher, Jason (Nicole) Weber, Robbie (Kathy) Marold, Laura (Joe) Rheinecker, Ryan Marold, and Anna Vahlkamp. Great-grandchildren: Henry & Lucy Weber; Jackson, Jordan & Samantha Rheinecker; Elizabeth & Meredith Marold, Mia & Oliver Irvine, and Hudson Swisher. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her husband Frank and son Bob, as well as her parents, brothers Francis and Harry Lindhorst, sister Dolores Trammel, and in-laws within the Hays and Lindhorst families.

The family would like to thank the staff at The Arbors, where Mary Lou resided the past three years. They provided a caring atmosphere, and we appreciate the special attention they often gave her.

Visitation will be at 10:00 – 11:00 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 Monday, November 24, in Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, with Father Tom Meyer officiating. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church or to Quincy Notre Dame High School. Duker & Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.