Dorothy Marie (Dinger) Hays of Galesburg, IL, died at 5:48 pm on November 15, 2024, in Seminary Manor.
She was born on September 24, 1930, in Kahoka, Missouri, the daughter of Arthur P. and Charlotte S. (Mohr) Dinger. Dorothy attended the Kahoka Public School system playing trumpet in band, participating in drama club and playing basketball with the “Indians”. She graduated in 1948 as Class Valedictorian. Dorothy married Richard W. (Dick) Hays on August 23, 1950, in Kahoka, Missouri. He preceded her in death on February 5, 2013, after nearly 63 years of marriage. They raised their four sons in Lomax and Galesburg, Illinois.
She is survived by her brother Kenneth and Twyla Dinger of Center Point, Iowa; four sons: James and Myra Hays of Denton, Texas; Steve and Laura Hays of Princeton, Texas; Ray Hays and Debbe Rigney-Hays of Galesburg, Illinois and Dave and Theresa Hays of Belleville, Illinois; 9 Grandchildren and 14 Great Grandchildren. She was a wonderful mother who was always there when we needed her the most, offering support, wisdom, and love in abundance.
Dorothy was an active member of the Galesburg 1st Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) for over 60 years and served many years on various committees and positions.
She was an avid gardener. A fond memory of her children and many grandchildren was helping her with canning tomatoes and other produce. Helpers always got the first taste of fresh, ice-cold tomato juice.
She created many beautiful and functional quilts for friends and family. Each of her children and grandchildren have and treasure one to remember her by and pass on to their descendants.
Her daily passion was game shows, particularly Jeopardy. Often, she had the answer before the contestants, but, not necessarily in the form of a question. She and her husband enjoyed travel, especially by rail. Together, often with family and friends, they traveled throughout the United States, Canada, Caribbean, and Europe.
The family would like to thank the staff at Seminary Manor and OSF Hospice for their compassionate care during Dorothy’s last days.
Cremation will be accorded. She will be laid to rest at 10:00 am Saturday, December 14, 2024, at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens next to her husband Dick. A Celebration of Dorothy’s Life will follow at 11:00 am at 1st Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Galesburg, IL with Rev. Martha-Jean Fitch and Rev. Greg Fitch officiating. Family and friends are invited to post memories and tributes to her Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/dorothy.hays.92. Her family requests, in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to 1st Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 311 N. Broad St., Galesburg, Il 61401 (https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/1478951) or to the Lion’s Club, 156 E. Main St. Galesburg, Il 61401 (https://www.lionsclubs.org/en/donate)
Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel are assisting her family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.h-p-w.com
