Melissa Hays

Melissa Jean Hays (Gray), 67 of Higginsville, Missouri died on Tuesday, June 11, 2019, at Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence, Missouri. Born Wednesday, April 23, 1952 in Trenton, Missouri, she was the daughter of Rex Gray and the late Eva Lou Gray. She was the wife of Tim Hays, marrying May 17, 1985. Melissa graduated in 1970 from Jameson R-3 High School in Jameson, MO. She achieved a bachelor's degree in English and a master's degree in Library Science from Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, MO. She was an educator for over 30 years with the Malta Bend and Higginsville School Districts. After retirement in 2004, Melissa worked for Avenue Gifts in Higginsville, was a member of Lady Lion's and was an avid traveler. She loved traveling with friends and family. Her travel destinations included: Mexico, Puerto Rico, all over Europe, multiple trips to Ireland, Hawaii and many other American destinations. Melissa was full of life and really loved every place she traveled - the people, culture, rivers, buildings and museums. She had a keen eye for value and enjoyed estate sales and auctions. She was an avid reader and took great pride in providing her students with information and resources. She understood the importance of education and influence. She will be missed by her loving cats; husband Tim, of the home; father, Rex Gray of Trenton; one brother, Jimmy Gray of Bethany, MO; one sister, Alice Simpson (Jim) of Springfield, MO; one brother-in-law, Gary Hays of Sedalia, MO; one niece, Jamie Wilson (Darrell) and family of Gallatin, MO; one nephew, Jesse Gray of Gallatin, many beloved cousins, great-nieces and nephews, students and friends. She is preceded in death by her mother, Eva Lou Gray. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 22, 2019 at the Hoefer Funeral Home in Higginsville with Pastor Tim Biesemeyer officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Saturday, prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made out to Melissa Hays Memorial Scholarship Fund at Central Bank.

Melissa Hays

April 23, 2019 - June 11, 2019