Hays, Mary S. 1846-1932

HAYS, SAUNDERS

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes
Date: 7/22/2014 at 17:24:39

The Grinnell (IA) Herald
March 11, 1932

OLD RESIDENT
OF COUNTY
PASSES AWAY

(From the Montezuma Republican)

Funeral services were held this morning at ten-thirty from the Little Mount Baptist church for Mrs. P.A. Hays, who died Monday, March 7, at her home. The Rev. E.M. Gregson, pastor of the church, conducted the services and burial was made in the cemetery there.

Mrs. Hays spent practically her entire life in Poweshiek county, and has watched the town of Montezuma grow and develop to its present state. Her life has been a simple one, ever devoted to doing good.

Following is the obituary as read at the service.

Mary S. Saunders was born near Jamestown, Ohio, November 9, 1846, and departed this life March 7, 1932, being at the time of her death aged 85 years, 3 months and 28 days.

She was the oldest child of Aaron A. and Harriet E. Saunders, and one of a family of 15 children. In the spring of 1851, she came with her parents to Poweshiek county, Iowa, where they settled on a farm near Forest Home, and here she grew to womanhood, attended country school, and, after finishing same, taught for several terms.

On November 28, 1870, she was united in marriage to Pleasant A. Hays, and they resided on a farm in Union township until February, 1893, when they moved to Montezuma, where she continued to reside until her death. To this union were born four children, three girls and one boy. Her companion departed this life eight years ago, and one daughter, Ida, passed away at three years of age. Her surviving children are: Robert M. of Marshalltown, Nora, of Des Moines, and Mary A., of Montezuma. She also leaves four brothers, James M. Saunders of Searsboro, Richard A. of Lorimar, Harry S. of Salem, Oregon, and E.F. of Montezuma; four grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren; also numerous other relatives and friends.

In their early married life, she and her companion united with the Little Mount Baptist church in Union township, and she continued to hold her membership there until death.

In late years much of her time was spent in writing poetry and reading.