Avis Hays

Avis Hays, of Winterset, died on Monday, December 17, 2018 at her daughter’s home in Johnston. She was 79. A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Sunday, May 26, 2019 at the Madison County Historical Complex in Winterset, with lunch to follow. Memorials may be directed to the St. Joseph’s Indian School in Chamberlain, SD. Avis Marie Ray was born March 14, 1939, in River Falls, Wisconsin; the daughter of Marvin James and Olivia Mae (Bjork) Ray. She graduated from Jefferson High School in Daly City, CA in 1957. Her marriage to Louis Hays took place on July 15, 1957 in Pocatello, ID and to this union four children were born. Avis has made her home in Winterset since 1967. Avis is survived by her four children, Gayle Alexander of Winterset, Susan Berch of Peru; James (Donna) Hays of Chesapeake, VA; Johnine Hays (Dave Schlindwein) of Johnston; siblings, Nancy Lundgaard of Beldenville, WI, Leslie (Cindy) Ray of River Falls, WI, Ed (Flora Mae) Ray of Eau Claire, WI and Ella (LeRoy) Lundgaard of Hager City, WI, 7 grandchildren, Michael (Jessica) Alexander, Nathan (Kate) Alexander, Adam (Kendra) Alexander, Natalie Alexander, Samantha Berch, Jack (Alex) Berch and Tuesday Hays; 14 great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, William Ray and his wife, Bernadine; and a brother-in-law, Gary Lundgaard. During her working years, Avis worked with Plumbs Jewelry in downtown Des Moines for many years. She later worked with Iowa Power & Light Company, which became Mid-American Energy where she worked until her retirement in 1995. She was a member of the Word of Life Family Church in Winterset. She loved gardening; was a member of the Winterset Garden Club and also had a passion for photography. Avis had a giving spirit which inspired her to crochet mats for area homeless shelters. She always was helping those in need and was proud of her support for the St. Joseph’s Indian School. Avis was an avid fan of several famous entertainers, such as Elvis, Elizabeth Taylor, Shirley Temple, Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe and Kathryn Hepburn to name few. She also loved to travel. Her travels took her to see her son in many naval stations throughout the world and as a grandmother, she took each of her grandchildren on a vacation, of their choosing, once they were 12. All this said, she was a devoted mother, sister, grandmother and friend who cherished and loved her family.