Hays, Mary Margaret 1852-1927

HAYS, ALBAUGH, FOSTER, MEEKER, TICE

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes
Date: 7/22/2014 at 18:04:44

The Grinnell (IA) Herald
Jan. 18, 1927

BELOVED RESIDENT
OF CHESTER PASSES

In the passing of Mrs. J.B. Hays, Chester has lost another of its old and most beloved citizens.
For the past seventeen years Mrs. Hays has lived most of the time in Colorado. But she returned often to the old neighborhood and to the old friends and neighbors she was still one of them.

Mrs. Hays was born Mary Margaret Albaugh, in Thurmont, Maryland, July 30, 1852.

Died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. B.L. Tice, Jan. 12, 1927, aged 74 years, 5 months and 11 days. The end came early Wednesday morning and she passed away peacefully after an illness that lasted more than nine months.

During all these months she was always cheerful and happy, and had a kind and cheerful word for all who in any way tried to serve or help her. Her words of appreciation for all were most beautiful. She was joined in marriage to J.B. Hays in the D.F. Hays home in Chester, June 5, 1877, and their home life began on the same farm where she spent the last months of life. Here also their children were born. To Mr. and Mrs. Hays were born three daughters, Mrs. Martha Foster of Olathe, Colo., Mrs. Katherine Meeker, also of Olathe, Colo., and Mrs. B.L. Tice of Chester. Early in life Mrs. Hays began the Christian life and united with M.E. church to which she remained steadfast till the end came. She leaves to mourn her loss her three daughters, two brothers in Thurmont, Maryland, six grandchildren and many relatives and friends.

Thus one by one the old settlers as they were called are passing, but the splendid character they made in life and the life of the community will abide.

Funeral services were held at the Chester Center Congregational church. Rev. H.L. Wissler had charge of the services, assisted by Rev. Hulbert of the Sonora M.E. church and Rev. Smith of Tama, Iowa. Rev. and Mrs. Smith sang three numbers at the service. They had sung these same numbers on the occasion of Mr. Hays' funeral about 10 years before. The body was laid to rest in the Chester cemetery.