Constance "Connie" Hays' Obituary
Constance “Connie” Patricia Hays, age 80, passed away Monday, November 7, 2022, in Muskegon, MI. Connie was born on July 18, 1942 in Flint, MI to her parents Lloyd and Frances (Cervantes) Lynn. Connie was a graduate of Muskegon Heights High School, where she was an honor student. She played the violin in the school orchestra and was a majorette in the marching band. She lived most of her life in Muskegon with family and friends. Connie was an avid University of Michigan fan (Go Blue!) and attended many football games at the high school and collegiate levels. Connie enjoyed hosting extensive holiday parties for her extended family, dancing the nights away, and getting her hands dirty in the factory at Kaydon Corporation. It was here that she eventually met her husband James R. Hays Sr.
Blending their families together, Connie dedicated her life to raising her children and grandchildren, volunteering in the community, and creating exquisite Christmas memories. Connie enjoyed being an avid world traveler nationally and internationally, winning the slots at the casino, and playing a game of weekly mahjong with her friends. Jim and Connie also enjoyed wintering for over 30 years at their home in Palm Springs, CA, where they volunteered at elementary schools reading to children.
Connie is survived by her four children, James Decker of Minneapolis, MN, Lisa (Craig) Wilkens of Charlotte, NC, Janet (Kreg) Perrault of Muskegon, MI, and Harlen (Liesl) Hays of Lee’s Summit, MO; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; one brother and two sisters, Ron Lynn, Carol Hart, Cindy Ray; and many nieces and nephews and their families.
Connie is preceded in death by her loving husband of 40 years, James R. Hays, Sr; son, James R. Hays, Jr; son, Jack A. Decker; daughter, Jill A. Deephouse; brother, Robert Lynn; and her furry friends, Pebbles and Peekaboo.
According to Connie’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A MEMORIAL SERVICE will be taking place at 2:00 PM on Saturday, November 19, 2022, at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI, 49444, with VISITATION taking place an hour prior. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made out to the American Diabetes Association. Please sign the family’s online guestbook and share memories with the family at sytsemafh.com
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