Marie Hays was born on January 2, 1921 in Crosbyton, Texas to Fred Chappell and Emma Hulme Chappell. She passed from this life on February 8, 2019 in Deming, New Mexico. A Funeral Service will be held at Bright Funeral Home Chapel on Friday, February 15, 2019 at 1:00 p.m., with Reverend David Goble officiating. Interment will follow at the Mesa Cemetery in Gila, New Mexico.

At an early age Marie’s family moved from Crosbyton to the Phoenix, Arizona area and after a short time there they relocated to the Cliff – Gila area. Marie attended school at Cliff and graduated from Cliff High School on May 26, 1939.

On August 20, 1941 Marie married Dick Hays in Silver City, New Mexico after a long engagement of several hours. She and Dick remained married for 50 years, until his death in 1992. They raised one son (Hank) and spent most of their lives living in and around Silver City. They owned and operated a number of businesses over the years, including a saddle shop, a water-well business, and a health food store.

Marie will be remembered for her caring gestures, her gift for telling stories, and her amazing sense of humor that brightened our lives. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dick Hays; her parents; two brothers, Dink Chappell and Chesley Chappell; and two sisters, Isla Lloyd and Marguerite McDonald.

She is survived by one son, Richard E. (Hank) Hays (Nancy) of Deming, New Mexico, four grandchildren, Jonathan Hays (Rae Lynn) of Eureka, Montana, Shannon Payne (Kevin) of Thorndale, Texas, Ronny Hays of Datil, New Mexico, and Charles Hays (Marla) of Yuma, Arizona; three great-grandchildren, Andrew, Paige, and Justin; and two great-great grandchildren, Rylie and Ashton. She is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews. Bright Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, “Traditional Services and Care for your family and friends”, 210 W. College Ave., Silver City, New Mexico 88061. Phone 575-388-1911.  Remembrances can be made at www.brightfuneral.net