Rooks County Record July 22, 1948
W. R. Hays

William Robert Hays was born to James and Elma (Henry) Hays on November 13, 1866, in Knoxville, Iowa. He departed this life July 7, 1948, at his home, 512 West Main Street, in Beloit, Kansas; completing his full span of life. He was 81 years, and eight months of age.
His early boyhood was spent in Iowa. His mother died when he was but a small boy. He came with his family to Osborne county, Kansas in 1878.
He was married to Lena Gertrude Kelly on April 4, 1894. They lived on a farm in the Lowell community near Stockton until 1920. They still own that farm which they purchased over 50 years ago, and developed into one of the most prosperous farms in Rooks county. Mr Hays was also a well known stock raiser, being particularly fond of horses. During these happy years on the farm five children were born - Floyd, Irene, Bernard, Garcel and Orville.
In 1920 Mr and Mrs Hays moved to Manhattan. This meant leaving their beloved home and their friends in order that their children might have a higher education. They lived for 16 years in Manhattan where they made many friends. They were prominent in church and community affairs. In 1936 they moved to a new home in Beloit in order to live near their sons.
Mr Hays was a member of the United Brethren church in Woodston. He transferred his membership to the Methodist church in Manhattan and still later to Beloit. He was known to his many friends for his never failing wit, his friendliness and fair dealings. His family remembers him with great affection and respect.
He is survived by his wife and their families, including 12 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. They are: Mr and Mrs Floyd Hays, Helen. Robert and wife, and Joan of Beloit; Mr and Mrs Frederick Williams, Norman, wife and daughter,, Gerald and Malcolm of Albuquerque N.M.; Mr and Mrs Bernard Hays and Martha of Burlington, Wisc.; Mr and Mrs Garcel Hays, Byron and Dorcas of Wichita; Mr and Mrs Orville Hays, Stanley, Richard and Kathleen, of LaCrosse, Wisc. He is survived also by one brother and three sisters, they are: Mrs Nellie Hammond, of Albia, Iowa; Mrs Laura Wildrix, of Stockton; Mrs Effie Hammond, of Winterset, Iowa; Ed Hays of Oakley. He is also survived by the following half sisters and brothers; Mrs Vera Haines, Mrs Goldie Strutt and Claude of Woodston; Paul of Neosho, Missouri; Otto, of Alton; Mrs Minnie Walk, of Stockton; Victor, of Natoma; and Mrs Ruby Musgrove, of Ashland.
Funeral services were held at the McDonald Funeral Home in Beloit, July 10, 194, at 10:00 a.m. The Rev. Scheuerman conducted the service. Mr Hays was laid to rest in Ellinwood cemetery in Beloit.