Rheva Rosetta (Evans) Hayes, 92, was born Feb. 1, 1919, in Yukon, Mo., to Jack and Maude (Lynch) Evans. She was the fifth child out of seven. She passed away May 20, 2011, at the Crown Care Center of Harrisonville, Mo.
She married Clarence Hayes of Licking, Mo., on April 14, 1940, so they could be the same age for one day each year (his birthday was April 15).
They both taught in rural schools for several years, and Rheva was fondly remembered by her former students who often came back to visit her long after passing through her class. Rheva taught third grade at Licking for four years, then worked at Intercounty Electric Co-op for 29 years. While at Intercounty, she wrote a book on rural electrification which won national recognition and a large trophy which she was very proud of. One of Rheva’s favorite memories during that time was serving as chaperone for the winner of the youth contest and accompanying them on a trip to Washington, D.C.
Rheva leaves behind one son, Jack Hayes who now resides in Belton, Mo., near Kansas with his wife June’ one grandson, Scott Hayes and wife, Lori, from Dallas, Texas; one granddaughter, Amy with her son, Michael, and daughter, Kyleigh, from Gardener, Kan.
After retirement, Rheva and Clarence wintered in Florida for two years and then spent 20 plus winters in Mercedes, Texas. They enjoyed golfing, bowling, shuffleboard, pool and card/board games with the many friends they encountered along the way and the numerous trophies and tournaments they won in each of these remain a testament to their competitive and athletic prowess.
In their later years, Rheva and Clarence moved in with Jack and June for two years and then retired to an assisted living apartment at Crown Care Center in Harrisonville, Mo., where they lived together until Clarence died. After his passing, Rheva moved back in with Jack and June and remained with them until she fell and broke her hip three years ago. After that, she had to move back to Crown Care Center in the skilled care unit, where she lived the remaining days of her life. She maintained her great sense of humor until the end and was much loved by the staff, many of whom stopped in her room to check on her and to share stories with Jack and June of the things she had said and done. Many said “I hope I can be that sweet when I am that old.”
Rheva was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Licking, Mo. She also was a member of the “Query Club.”
She will always be remembered as a loving caring mother, mother-in-law, wife and grandmother. Her sweet, loving and helpful spirit will always be remembered by all who knew her.
Services were 12:30 p.m. Monday, May 23, 2011, at Evans Funeral Home with Pastor Rob Lilly officiating. Pallbearers were Bud Evans, Brian Friend, Donald Benson, Jack Jackson, Jerry Jackson and Scott Hayes. Burial followed in Boone Creek Cemetery, Licking, Mo., under the direction of Evans Funeral Home, Houston, Mo.
Memorials may be made to Crossroads Hospice, 9237 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, Mo., 64114 or First Baptist Church-Kitchen, 223 S. Main Licking, Mo., 65542. Online condolences may be sent to www.evansfh.com.