Emma Elizabeth Meeker was born in Brown County, Ohio; October 25, 1861 and moved to Marion County, Iowa; at three years of age. She was united in Holy Matrimony to James M. Hays coming to Osborne County, Kansas the same year. They settled on the homestead where she resided until the time of death which occurred at the Dr Nye hospital in Osborne, Oct. 13, 1918 ar 3:13 AM. Her age at the time of death was 57 years, 11 months, and 17 days. Unto this union were born 15 children of whom 13 are living, 2 dying in infancy, and all are living Kansas except Paul R. Hays who is in the service in France. She leaves to mourn her departure, husband, thirteen children, one sister, Mrs H.M. Durham of Fairport, Kansas; and one uncle, David Phillips, of Knoxville, Iowa. They were all present at the time of her departure except Paul R. Hays and her Uncle.
The children that mourn her departure are Mrs Marion Walker, Mrs Charlie Haines, Walter, Victor, and Claude Hays of My Ayr township and Clara and Ivy L. who reside with their sister Mrs Charles Haines, Mrs E.T. Murphy of Manhattan, Kansas; Mrs Glen Romine of Hays, Kansas; Goldie, Ruby and Otto Hays of Natoma, Kansas; and Paul R. in the service; ten grandchildren, five step children, William Hays of Woodston, Kansas; Laura Wildrix of Stockton, Kansas; Edward Hays of Downell, Kansas; Mrs Henry Hammond of Albia, Iowa and Mrs Ira Hammond of Winterset, Iowa. She was loved and respected by all who knew her. She was never known to use a harsh word to any of the children, always using kind words in correcting. She was always thoughtful of others comforts, never thinking of her own but always ready to help others.
She was taken to Osborne about six weeks ago for medical treatment where she was given all possible are and all that could be done in the way of medical treatment was done, and in her last hours was made as comfortable as possible.
She will be greatly missed in the community where she has been known and respected so many years. Sister Hats was converted in early life and united with the United Brethren Church. After coming to Kansas she united with the M. E. Church at Pleasant Plain in September 1882 under the postorate of Rev. A. Cromley. Her Christian spirit and devotion was manifest to all. The remains were brought to her home on Wednesday the 16th and after a short service conducted by her pastor, Rev. W.J. Ward, the body was laid to rest in the Pleasant Plain Cemetery.

Card of Thanks

We desire to express our thanks to all the kind friends and neighbors who so kindly assisted us in the sad services of laying away our beloved mother wife and mother.

James M Hays and family