Mrs. Barbara K. Hays, 79, of Galesburg, Illinois died 7:00 p.m. Sunday March 8, 2020 at her daughter’s home in Galesburg.
She was born December 14, 1940 in Chicago, Illinois to Orlen M. and Evelyn (Kleinke) Purkis. She married Donald E. Hays, September 14, 1974 in Galesburg. He preceded her in death March 13, 2001.
Surviving are four daughters, Beth (and Edward) Krohe of Beardstown, Illinois, Dawn (and Darwin) Miller of Mandeville, Louisiana, Tiara (and Andrew) Voeltz of Fenton, Illinois and Janet Wehrly of Galesburg, a son Michael Hays, 10 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents a brother, Ronald E. Purkis, a son-in-law Kyle Wehrly and four grandchildren, Tabetha, Jonathon, Jeffrey, and Amie.
Barbara grew up in the Chicago area. She later moved to Galesburg and was a homemaker. She was of the Catholic faith. She enjoyed reading, sewing, crossword puzzles and playing poker. She loved raising her children and spending time with her grandchildren.
As Barbara requested, cremation will be accorded. A memorial service will be 1:00 p.m. Sunday, May 10, 2020 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service Galesburg Chapel. Rev. Peter Wehrly will officiate. Private cremation burial will be in East Linwood Cemetery, Galesburg. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or Hospice Compassus. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
