Joan Carolyn Varadin Hays

Joan Carolyn Varadin Hays, 82, of Hannibal, Missouri, was called home to be with the Lord at 4:40 p.m. on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Beth Haven Nursing Home in Hannibal. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 15, 2025, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Hannibal. Rev. Greg Meystrik and Rev. Mike Quinn will officiate. Interment will follow at Holy Family Catholic Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Joan's life during a visitation from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at James O'Donnell Funeral Home in Hannibal. Joan was born on September 11, 1942, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Arthur Zepf and Agnes (Wieberg) Zepf. She was united in marriage to Carl J. Varadin on June 14, 1969. He preceded her in death on December 31, 2009. Later in life, Joan found companionship and joy again when she married Joseph L. Hays on May 14, 2011. He survives. Joan is also survived by her two loving sons: Robert Varadin (Mary Grace) of Gilbert, Arizona, and Charles Varadin (Donna) of Ocala, Florida; two stepsons, Chris Ludwig (Kathy) of Palmyra, Missouri, and Clint Hays (Lauren) of Loose Creek, Missouri; one brother, Paul Zepf of Yuma, Arizona; 32 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Mary Elizabeth Haegele. After graduating from Notre Dame High School in St. Louis, Joan began her professional career as a hospital unit secretary at Barnes Hospital. Upon moving to Hannibal with her husband Carl, she dedicated herself to her family and the Holy Family Catholic Church, where she was deeply involved in parish ministries, especially the Cursillo movement and later in the Adoration Chapel. She also worked at Hardee's and Pyramid Home Health, and in retirement volunteered with the Head Start Program in Hannibal. A woman of unwavering faith in Christ Jesus, Joan exemplified devotion, humility, and wisdom. Her love for God was evident in her family and the way she lived-prayerful, humble, thoughtful, and wise. She found great joy in attending Mass, participating in parish ministries, and singing with the Holy Family choir. Joan found beauty in the simple things-sharing meals with loved ones, preparing her famous fried chicken and pineapple upside-down cake for family, and working on word search puzzles while watching her favorite show, Matlock. Her home was filled with warmth, laughter, and the loyal companionship of her cherished dogs, "Joey" and "Shadow." Her greatest joy came from time spent with family and friends, whom she loved fiercely and unconditionally. Joan's legacy of love, faith, and devotion will live on through all who knew her. Pallbearers will include Bob Varadin, Chuck Varadin, Andy Hommert, Clint Hays, Chuck Cormier, and Andy Thomeczek. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Family Catholic Church Choir, or the Hannibal Head Start Program-two causes dear to Joan's heart.