Hays, Laura May 1869-1922

HAYS, BIXLER, GRAWE

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 12/9/2023 at 10:16:26

Note: Her mother's maiden name was Grawe.

DIED

Mrs. James G. Hays passed away at her home in Akron, Monday morning, June 19, 1922, of tuberculosis, after an extended illness. While her death was not unexpected, the end came as something of a shock to those outside the family circle. The intensely warm weather of last week was especially hard on her and affected the heart action to the extent that it was the ultimate cause of her death.

For many months Mrs. Hays and her family had put up a great fight against the insidious nature. Everything possible was done that was thought might prove beneficial and prolong her life. She received special treatment at both El Paso, Texas, and at the State Sanitarium at Oakdale, Iowa, but the most skilled attention was unavailing. Through it all Mrs. Hays was patient and cheerful and was sustained by a strong Christian faith and fortitude.

Laura May Bixler was born near Dakotah, Stephenson county, Illinois, on May 6, 1869, and attained the age of 53 years, 1 month and 13 days. On August 15, 1889, she was united in marriage with James G. Hays at Dakotah, Ill. To this union were born three children, Victor Josiah, James Royal and Ruth Agnes Hays. In 1894 the family moved to Faulkton, S. D., where they made their home until 1900, at which time they went to Hornick, Iowa.

In 1903 they came to Akron and have resided here continuously since that time. In early childhood the deceased became a member of the Evangelical church at Rock Grove, Ill. In 1894 she became affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church, of which she remained a faithful and active member until the time of her death.

A woman of noble character, high ideals and cheery disposition, she was esteemed and respected in an ever-widening circle of friends. Mrs. Hays took an active part in the religious and social affairs of the community up to the time that her health began to fail. She was a kind and devoted wife and mother and a helpful and sympathetic friend and neighbor.

The community feels that it has sustained a distinct loss in the passing on of this good woman, and a full measure of sympathy is extended the bereaved husband, children, mother and other near relatives.

Besides the husband and three children, she is survived by her mother, Mrs. Agnes Bixler, of Freeport, Ill.; five sisters and four brothers. The mother and two of the brothers were present at the funeral.

Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Carl Hammer at the Akron M. E. church Wednesday afternoon and there was a large attendance. There were (unreadable) selections by a quartet composed of Miss Birdice Keech Keech, Ed Stinton, Miss Joy Brady and O. B. Akers, and also a vocal solo by Miss Brady. There were many beautiful floral offerings. Interment was in Riverside cemetery.

Victor J. Hays, who is attending college in Chicago, was called here by the illness and death of his mother. H. Lambert, of Neillsville, Wis., a nephew of James G. Hays, also came to attend the funeral.

Akron Register Tribune
Thursday, June 22, 1922
Akron, Iowa