Helen Mary Hays was born August 14, 1925 to Matt and Helen (Poje) Belobrajdic. At the age of 96 1/2, on January 18, 2022 God called her home. She attended Welborn Grade School and Washington Rural High School, graduating in 1943. She married the love of her life, Harold (Gene) Hays on June 18, 1949. Quite unexpectedly Gene passed away at age 49 on June 30, 1973 and God was gracious to tenderly watch over Helen in the many years that followed.
Helen was an excellent seamstress. Over the years she altered clothes pinned up by someone else, eventually acquiring her own customers. She also made and altered many wedding gowns and veils. She upholstered furniture, even boat and van cushions, made curtains and drapes for family and friends, quilts and t-shirt blankets/quilts galore. Her famous crocheted “scrubbies” were appreciated by all. She became ingenious in her ability to repair what others assumed was irreparable. Talented for unclogging drains, clearing out her gutters, and wiring lamps, Helen never liked to sit idle and was eager to help anyone with a project. In spite of failing eyesight, at age 90 she made fleece blankets for each of her great-grandchildren. She also loved on several foster children in the care of family members. “Granny” was special to all of them and many will never forget her “pallets” for the slumber parties hosted in in her living room. She appreciated the beauty of her violets, gardenias, peonies, lilacs and hydrangeas. Until her vision declined significantly, she never missed the opportunity to have family over for dinner. Among her specialties were Povitica, apple strudel, round steak and gravy, pizza rollups, homemade rolls and sweet tea.
Helen did not learn to drive until October, 1973. While she did not yearn to drive, she was forced since Gene had died. However, she was always eager to accompany family or friends at a moment’s notice. She packed her bag of snacks and treats for long drives to share with all. In her late teens and early twenties, she even went to wrestling matches at Memorial Hall and still has the programs and ticket stubs to prove it. Being of Croatian descent, she loved polka music and enjoyed her polka records & videos. She enjoyed traveling and kept journals of her daily experiences. From Washington DC to Hawaii, Germany and Yugoslavia along with family group cruise in 2009, she was a great traveling companion.
Helen was always caring for an older family member (or even friend) many of which until their death. Early in her marriage, she became the neighborhood “nurse” and counseling sessions at her table sent the guest away with renewed hope that things would be okay. She spent countless hours helping in her church, quilting with other ladies to raise money for missions, and hosting out of town guests. Described by many as the “sweetest saint on earth”, a “peacemaker” with not a bitter bone in her body, she truly demonstrated God’s love throughout her 96 years. She prayed for her children, grands and great grandkids by name every night when she was able. While she was not wealthy in earthly assets, she leaves behind an amazing legacy of hardworking children and grandchildren who loved her dearly. She was truly the woman described in Proverbs 31.
Helen was a founding member of Grace Christian Fellowship church in Kansas City, KS and loved her church family. She was predeceased by her husband, Gene, her parents, Matt and Helen (Poje) Belobrajdic, several great grandbabies, her sister, Betty Schlup, brothers, Matt and Joe Belobrajdic. She is survived by her three children, Gary Hays, Overland Park, KS, Cheryl Yates (Pat), Kansas City, KS and Glen Hays, Lee’s Summit, grandchildren: Brandon Yates (Julie), Jamie Bacarella (Bob), Heather Molitor (Mark), Holly Nichols (Jimmy), Jill Kessler (Rich), Riana Jones (Cole), Hillary Jones (Kyle), Mitchell Hays (Kersty), Chad Hays (Lauren) and Nolan Hays (Whitney), 30 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews whom she adored. She also leaves Kathy Stimac (her “other daughter” and dear friend/neighbor and close companion for many years).
The family appreciates the kind care of various individuals who regularly came to care for or visit. Mary, Stacie, Cyndi, Cheryl, Katrina, Denise, Jenna, Sirena, Lisa, Annette and Chaplain Mark. Jim and Ruby faithfully brought communion and prayed with her when she couldn’t attend services. There are others too numerous to mention, but those visits and care meant much to her and the family could never thank each of you enough.
The world was a definitely better place when God sent Helen here. The widow gave her mite, and mighty it was. Services will be held Saturday, January 29 at Overland Park Baptist Temple, 11648 Antioch Road, Overland Park, KS. Visitation 10:00-11:00 am; Funeral Service 11:00 am followed by burial in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, 701 N 94th St, Kansas City, KS 66112. Memorials are suggested to Overland Park Baptist or Focus on the Family.