Gertrude Hays

Gertrude Hays, 85, of Abilene, Texas, passed away on September 7, 2016. Burial will be held at 10:00am, Friday, September 9, 2016 at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene, Texas with Rev. Jeff Reid of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church officiating. A memorial service will follow at 11:30am, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road with Rev. Jeff Reid and Brother Jack Ridlehoover officiating. Gertrude was born in El Dorado, Arkansas to Edward and Buelah Bryant on December 30, 1930. She graduated from Hardin Simmons in Abilene with a degree in education. She married Hubert S. Hays, Jr. in Abilene, Texas on February 8, 1952 while Hub was in the Air Force. They then moved to El Paso, Texas for their first two years where Gertrude taught school. Gertrude was a devoted wife to Hubert and the two were married 62 years. Gertrude retired from teaching while at Lincoln Middle School in Abilene, Texas. She was a faithful member of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, and alongside Hub, volunteered at the church's food bank. Gertrude loved music and sang in the church choir for many years. Gertrude and Hub were foundation and active members of the Prime Timers at Pioneer Drive Baptist which brought much joy to both of them and were also devout members of the Good Samaritan Sunday School Class. Gertrude was devoted to and loved her God, her husband, her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and the many dogs and cats she had through her life. Gertrude was preceded in death by her husband, Hubert S. Hays, Jr. She is survived by her children; daughter, Susan Crook and her husband Keigm of Albuquerque, NM, and son, Bill Hays of Ft. Worth, Texas. She also has two grandchildren; Brian Curtis and wife Anne Marie of Ft. Worth, Texas, and Kara Curtis of Prescott, AZ. She loved her 4 great grandchildren; Lucy, 9, Henry, 7, Moriah, 6 and Susanna, 4 years. She is also survived by sister-in-law, Marilyn Hitt and nieces Elizabeth and husband Mike Barber, Janet and husband Clark Murray, Mary Nell and husband Jack Harrington and Nancy and husband Danny Haddox. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hendrick Hospice Care, 1682 Hickory St, Abilene, Texas 79601. The family of Gertrude Hays wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the many who cared for her. Thank you to Jeff Reid, Senior pastor, Pioneer Drive Baptist Church for always being there for her and making her laugh. Thanks to Dr. Toby Williams, Dr. Hari Kalla, Hendrick Hospice and nurse Joan. Also a special thanks to Kindred at Home caregiver, Cathy. To all of the staff and friends at University Place, Thank you. You all loved and cared for her with such gentle, respectful and loving hands and hearts. May God Bless you all.