OBITUARY -- MRS. M. E. HAYS
Funeral services for Mrs. Elmer Hays of this city were held from the Simmons-Rice Funeral Home March 16, with Rev. J. M. Smith of the Kensington Christian church in charge. Mrs. Hays passes away here March 13, after contracting pneumonia the week before and which was the cause of her death. All the equipment that modern medical men have contrived, was used but to no avail. Burial was made in Fairview cemetery.
Emma Jane Morrow was born January 12, 1870, at Pleasantville, Ia., the first child of Leander and Mary Ann Morrow.
The family moved to Kansas in her early childhood and settled in Smith county south of Porter Ranch on Oak Creek, afterward moving to the Custer community.
She was united in mariage[sic] to Mitchell Elmer Hays July 9, 1888. Both she and her husband became members of the Baptist church, she later transferring to the First Christian church. After marriage, she with her husband lived continuously in the Smith Center community.
To this union were born five children, Elta Pearl, deceased, Elmer Vernon, Agra; Russell Gene, Cape Girardeau, Mo., Ralph Lester of the home and Arden E., Altamont.
Emma J. Hays departed this life March 14, 1938, at the age of 68 years, 2 months and 2 days. She is survived by the husband, three brothers, four sisters, four sons, four grandchildren many relatives and a host of friends.
Smith County Pioneer, March 31, 1938, page 6.