Vera Louise Hayes Leek, 81, passed away Friday, Sept. 4, 2015, at Cox South Hospital in Springfield
She was born Jan. 29, 1934, in Ellis Prairie, daughter of Herman A. and Etta Marie Haney Hayes. She and Troy Dixon were married July 21, 1955. She married Loy Leek on Nov. 29, 1973.
She worked at International Shoe Co in her younger years and was a stay-at-home mom for a while. She was later a cook at Texas County Memorial Hospital kitchen and head cook at the Houston Senior Center.
She was the youngest of 10 children.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Loy; two sisters, Hazel Wheeler and Tressie Smerk; and three brothers, Wilbert Hayes, Jack Hayes and Willard Hayes.
Survivors include five children, Paul Dixon of Republic, Pam Langley of Clever, Patti Murray of Bucyrus and Peggy Seyler and Perry Dixon of Houston; three sisters, Helen Shelton, Hartis Collins and Dorothy Rauscher; a brother, Johnny Hayes; 13 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Services are Tuesday, Sept. 8, at Evans Funeral Home with Pastor Paul Murray officiating. Burial will be in Pine Lawn Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Texas County Food Pantry. Online condolences may be made at www.evansfh.com.