Virginia Barbara Lee Hays

Virginia Barbara Lee Hays, age 89, of Grants Pass, died Thursday, January 26, 2012 in Portland, Oregon where she resided in an assisted living facility.

Virginia was born in Grants Pass July 15, 1922 to William and Daisy Pollock. They lived six years in Chiloquin, Oregon on an Indian reservation where her father ran a private fish hatchery. The rest of her youth was spent in Grants Pass.

In high school she was involved in student body, ski & drill teams and was a gladiolus princess. She graduated from Grants Pass High School in 1941.

In 1944 she met the love of her life, Clayton Melvin Hays and they were married August 4, 1945 at Newman United Methodist Church. Together they enjoyed building their home and raising their family near the Rogue River where they lived for 66 years.

She volunteered at Josephine General Hospital with ”Pink Ladies”, PTA, Brownie/Girl Scout leader and taught Sunday school at Newman United Methodist Church while her children were young. She was a member of PEO Chapter EH, Josephine County Posse Auxiliary and Newman United Methodist Church.

She loved family, entertaining, cooking, handwork, cross country skiing, snow mobiling and traveling with her husband in their motor home.

Virginia is survived by her husband Mel Hays of Grants Pass; a son, Cary Hays of Medford; two daughters, Debbie Bramblett of Grants Pass and Barbara Hays Johnson of Portland; two brothers, Neil Pollock of Bellevue, Washington and Vern Pollock of Grants Pass; six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and four step-grandchildren.

Virginia’s gentle spirit teamed with joy and love flowed into all her activities and relationships. She was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

A memorial to celebrate her life will be at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, March 10, 2012 at Newman United Methodist Church. Hull & Hull Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers the family suggest contributions to: PEO Chapter EH, PO Box 372, Merlin OR 97532 for a memorial scholarship fund to help young women achieve their college dreams.