Majorie L. Hays

Marjorie L. Hays, age 83, died peacefully August 25.

She was born in Bellingham to John and Clariette Wagness on July 26, 1931.

She graduated Bellingham schools and then attended Washington State University; where she achieved a B.S. in Home Economics and met the love of her life Steve Hays.

She graduated in May 1953 and the two were married January 31, 1954, spending over 60 years of marriage together. Together they had 4 children and 4 grandchildren.

Marge’s first job was writing for the Spokesman Review’s Dorothy Dean column and Dorothy Dean Cookbooks.

Most of her life revolved around the family home; cooking wonderful meals and raising her children; growing orchids in the green house Steve built and summer vacations; the highlight of which was settling in during the summers at Deer Lake.

Marge prepared the book keeping for the bulk plant and made it a family event to prepare and send monthly statements. After raising her family and spending 29 years in Lind, in 1983, the family moved to a new home in the Spokane Valley. While living there for 25 years and being empty nesters, Marge found work at the Crescent Department Store, Fredrick and Nelson, The Bon Marche and Macy’s. She excelled as top salesperson in the China and Silver Department for 10 consecutive years.

After Steve’s retirement they made their winter home in Yuma, Arizona, for 14 year. They spent the mornings golfing, afternoons in the pool and the evenings dancing. Somehow they still found time to travel, including taking five cruises. The last six years of her life, Marge spent at Calloway Gardens, an Alzheimer’s Specialty Care Center in Kennewick.

Our family would like to thank the caregivers at Calloway Gardens and the staff at Lower Valley Hospice for their truly loving care and attention they gave her. Many of the caregivers have mentioned they will miss Marge’s smile.

Those who survive her include her husband Steve Hays, daughters: Nancy (Mark) Taylor and Susan (Frank) Kay; sons: John (Leah) and Jim (Sue) Hays and her 4 grandchildren: Olivia, Johnie, Madison and Joe. Marge is also survived by her sister Carolyn (Jim) Hansen.

A Celebration of Marge’s life will be held at the Lind Community Church on Monday, September 22 at 11 a.m. with a lunch to follow. Private Internment will be at Lind Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Alzheimer’s Foundation. Danekas Funeral Home and Crematory of Ritzville is entrusted with arrangements.