Mary E. Hays

Mary E. Hays, 88 of Sullivan, formerly of La Monte, passed away Sunday, April 8, 2018 after a five-year battle with Alzheimer’s, at Meramec Nursing Center surrounded by her family.

Mary was born on May 15, 1929 to the late E. D. and Anna B. (Taylor) Guthrie, in La Monte, MO. She was one of six children. She graduated from La Monte High School as the salutatorian and spent her working career as a bookkeeper. Mary worked with several different organizations in Sedalia and later in St. Louis. She loved music and was a very gifted musician; she could play the piano, guitar, organ and accordion by ear. Mary enjoyed playing for special events at her school and church and duets in her home with family and friends.  

Mary was a loving mother and was always ready to lend an ear or a helping hand to her girls. Her independent spirit and can-do attitude led her to tackle many projects, large and small; including campaigning for public office and painting her house. She was also an energetic, loving grandmother who invited her grandchildren to her home for several weeks during the summers. She once traded her dining table for a pool table, much to the delight of family and friends. Mary enjoyed planning events and the annual Guthrie family reunion was her favorite. She always acknowledged birthdays and anniversaries with a card or special note. She loved puzzles of all kinds and enjoyed playing Scrabble and Password with family and friends. 

Mary is survived by her daughters, Judy Mackie (husband, Dick) of MI, and Cindy Strehl (husband, Joe) of St. Clair; six grandchildren, Bronwyn Miranda (husband, Al), Shawna Wells (husband, Fred), Bryce Cochran (wife, Laura), Amber Bond (husband, Jeff), G.J. Strehl (wife, Korin) and Kevin Strehl (wife, Tracy); ten great-grandchildren; nine great-great grandchildren; many more step-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. 

A Memorial Service will be held 2 p.m., Saturday, April 21, 2018 at the La Monte Christian Church, with Pastor Alan Morse speaking. Visitation with the family will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in La Monte Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be given to Show Me Christian Youth Home through the La Monte Christian Church.

All arrangements were under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home of Sullivan and Bourbon, MO.