Freda Gay Hays

FREDA R. HAYS GREENVILLE, VA Freda Gay (Rowe) Hays, 60, cherished wife of 43 years to Roger D. Hays of 4182 Old Greenville Road, Greenville entered her heavenly home on Wednesday, April 20, 2011 in the comfort of her home surrounded by the love and warmth of her family. She was born August 29, 1950, in Rockbridge County, a daughter of Janie (Lawhorn) Rowe of Lofton and the late Joseph Franklin Rowe. Freda was a lifelong member of Mt. Joy Presbyterian Church where she enjoyed singing in the choir. Prior to her long courageous battle with Breast Cancer she was employed with Parker Compound Bows, Inc. where she made many good friends. She was also a homemaker which was a career that fulfilled her passion. No house ever felt more like a home with her endearing love shining in every corner. Her love for gardening, cooking, and canning was enjoyed by many. Her loving gentle touch was never more evident than in her flower gardens, which grew radiantly and majestically, matching her kind and compassionate soul. Freda was a vibrant spirit who lived life to the fullest. She enjoyed playing slot machines, which gave her therapy and peace of mind during her illness. She was a loving devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend to many. Her greatest love of all was her family. In addition to her husband and mother, family members include a daughter and son-in-law, Kimberly and Michael Mahon of Stuarts Draft; and a son, Brian Hays of Greenville. Her long awaited grandson, Seanthomas Patrick Mahon, entered her life in June of 2010 and brought her much pride and fulfillment not to mention natural medicine. She is also survived by beloved sisters and brothers-in-law, Reda Kay (Rowe) and Jimmy Hendricks, Shirley (Rowe) and Wayne Wolfe; special brothers and sister-in-law, Roger Rowe, and Pete and Alicia Rowe. Freda and Reda were blessed enough to share a true twin connection and life-time bond that will never end. She also leaves her many nieces and nephews as well as great nieces and nephews who all held a special place in her heart. Her little princesses and her little men will always hold onto the precious memories of their aunt Freda. A special bond was also shared with her husbands family. The family will receive friends at Henry Funeral Home on Friday, April 22, 2011, from 7 until 9 p.m. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 23, 2011, in Mt. Joy Presbyterian Church in Lofton by the Rev. Clifford D. Caldwell. Burial will follow in Mt. Carmel Presbyterian Church Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be her nephews and great nephews, Vernon Rowe, Kevin Wolfe, Keith Hendricks, Darin Powell, Scott Campbell, Jeff Eckard, Jimmy Hays, David Walters, and Tommy Bowles. Honorary pallbearers will be Joe Fauber, Jim Sumner, Lonnie Cash, Clayton Painter, Finley Campbell, Phillip Painter, and friends and family attending the service. A special thank you to the caring staff of the Augusta Health Cancer Center and Hospice of the Shenandoah. Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Shenandoah, P.O. Box 215, Fishersville, VA 22939 or to Mt. Joy Presbyterian Church, 4709 Cold Springs Road, Raphine, VA 24472. Freda is now accomplishing her dream of singing in the heavenly choir and soaring above us all as our guardian angel.