Thelma Lee Hays

Thelma Lee Hays was born January 25, 1938, in rural Missouri, to Leroy and Violet Robert Roberta English Harrell. She died Wednesday, June 20, 2018, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the age of 80 years. Thelma was one of 16 children and loved being part of such a large and close family. Thelma met the love of her life, Robert Hays, at the skating rink. They were married October 22, 1953, in Bolivar, Missouri, and enjoyed the next 59 years together before his passing in 2012. Thelma started her career in optics with Tom Brown Optical in Oklahoma City, then later became the general manager with Duffens Optical from 1988 to 2001. She enjoyed a variety of pastimes including playing pitch and taking the occasional trip to the casino. Nothing gave her more pleasure than spending time with her family, especially her role as “Nan” to her grandchildren. She was very proud of them and never missed an opportunity to tell them she loved them. She always looked forward to the annual “sisters” week, sharing memories, loving and laughing and playing many, many games of pitch. Thelma has now joined her parents, sisters, brothers, and other family members who have passed before her. What gives the family great comfort is knowing that she is now reunited with her beloved husband Robert and knowing they are no longer missing one another. Their first four-o-clock coffee date was no doubt filled with much “catching up”! Although many are heartbroken today, please remember that her wish was that we all be strong, love one another, and take care of each other. She was an amazing mom, Nan, sister, and friend, and will always be in our hearts. Those she leaves behind who hold many cherished memories include: Two daughters; Marcia Martin and husband Al, of Cookson, Oklahoma Renee Durkee and husband Shannon, of Owasso, Oklahoma Grandchildren; Michelle Baker and husband Brad, of Moore, Oklahoma Daniel Lunsford, of Owasso, Oklahoma Victor Martin, of Fayetteville, Arkansas Morgan Martin, of Girdwood, Arkansas Great grandchildren; Haley, Kelsy, Justin, Khai, and Jasper Great granddaughter; Harper Brothers and sisters; Bobby Dale, Billy, Lorena, Wanda, Patricia, Brenda, Marilyn, Kathy Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with funeral service following at 1:30 pm., Saturday, June 23, 2018, at the Mowery Funeral Service Chapel in Owasso with Minister Colbert Turney officiating. Serving as casket bearers will be Brad Baker, Shannon Durkee, Daniel Lunsford, Al Martin, Victor Martin, and Nick Stanfield. Final resting place will be at Graceland Memorial Park Cemetery in Owasso. Arrangements and services were entrusted to Mowery Funeral Service of Owasso www.moweryfs.com

Thelma Lee Hays

January 25, 1938 - June 20, 2018