Kathryn Marie Hays

Washington- Kathryn Marie Hays, 79 of Washington, passed away at 11:39 PM on Tuesday, December 18, 2012 at Snyder Village in Metamora. Kathryn was born on September 28, 1933 in Peoria, IL to the late Raymond and Bertha (Stiefermann) Overend. She married Dr. William J. Hays on February 14, 1953 in Peoria. He survives. Also surviving are two children, Ana Hays of Menlo Park, CA and David Hays (Julie Stewart-Hays) of Washington, 2 grandchildren, Hannah and Micah Stewart; 2 sisters, Suzanne (Heinz) Johnson of Bartonville and Dorothy (Overend) Lowery of East Peoria. Kathryn was preceded in death by a brother Donald Overend. Kathryn graduated from Manual High School in 1951 and became a Medical Stenographer at OSF St. Francis Medical Center and for Dr. Terry Moran and Dr. J. J. Flynn in Reseda, California. A former Trustee and Honorary and Charter member of the Peoria Area Stitcher's Guild, Kathryn won numerous awards in juried competitions for her original stitchery designs in the category of Surface Stitchery. She was a member of the Peoria Area Arts & Sciences Council and a volunteer at Lakeview Museum and the Wild Life Prairie Park. An avid reader, lover of classical music, opera and fine art, Kathryn was conversant in German, and enjoyed completing crossword puzzles "in ink", learning about ancient history, new scientific discoveries, and staying current on world affairs. And she delighted in her garden that brims with birds and flowers and, picnics and strolling hand-in-hand with Bill around Eureka Lake. Honoring Kathryn's wishes cremation rites have been accorded. A Memorial Mass will take place at 11:00 AM on Thursday, December 27, 2012 at St. Mary of Lourdes Catholic Church, 424 Lourdes Church Rd. in Metamora. Fr. Donald Roszkowski will officiate with burial of cremains in the church cemetery. Visitation will take place on Wednesday from 4-6:00 PM at Deiters Funeral Home & Crematory in Washington and on Thursday from 10:30 AM until the time of Mass at the church. Family and friends will be invited to share memories of Kathryn at 5:30 PM on Wednesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to OSF Hospice or the Alzheimer's Association of Central Illinois, c/o 606 W. Glen Ave., Peoria, IL 61614.

Kathryn Marie Hays

September 28, 1933 - December 18, 2012