Raymond H. Hays

Raymond H. Hays, age 91, of rural Alexis, Illinois, passed away at 6:00 A.M. on Wednesday, May 2, 2018 at his residence. He was born June 10, 1926 in Perry, Illinois, the son of Roy Edward and Francis Alta (Gaylor) Hays. Ray attended schools in Perry, Keithsburg, Aledo, and Viola. He graduated from Viola High School. Ray served his Country during World War II with the United States Army. On October 9, 1948, he married F. Elaine Leary in Aledo, Illinois and she preceded him in death on November 24, 2015. Over his career, Ray worked as a farmer, a mechanic at Harney-Morgan in Aledo, Illinois, and as a Fuller Brush Salesman. He then worked at International Harvester from 1958-1983 as a machinist. He lastly worked at the Rock Island Arsenal as a machinist, from which he retired. Ray enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping, and golfing. He collected antique implements and woodworking tools. He loved to watch "Gold Rush" and "Alaskan Frontier" on television. Ray is survived by four daughters; Mary Ann (Dale) Nannen of Hopedale, IL, Sharon (Bill) Ciulini of Hoffman Estates, Carol Winbigler of Alexis, IL, and Amy (Paul) Craane of Wheaton, IL, two sons; Michael W. (Cathy) Hays of Angola, IN and John (Jennifer) Hays of Byron, IL, one brother, Leslie Hays of Monmouth, IL, grandchildren; Brett, Cole, Bethany, Briana, Lauren, Alison, Michael, Andy, Sara, Erik, Ryan, Kaitlynn, Meridith, Erin, Nathan, Meghan, Emma, Abigale, Aidan, and Zoe, great-grandchildren; Ethan, A.J., Madeline, Vivian, Peter, Betsy, Curtis, Isla, Noah, Ariana, Jacob, Lillie, Lexi, Ava, Allie, Layne, Wyatt, Hailey, Cora, Etta, Ethan, Parker, Aaron, and Adrienne. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Elaine, three sisters, three brothers, two sons, one daughter, and two grandsons. A memorial Mass is planned for 11:00 A.M. on Monday, May 7, 2018 at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Alexis, Illinois. Ray's family will be present from 10:00-11:00 A.M. prior to the service to receive friends. Interment will be at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Monmouth at a later date. A memorial is being established for the Salvation Army.