Mary Hay

Mary Marcella Hay, age 96, passed away on April 14, 2015, at the Medicalodges in Clay Center. She was born September 19, 1918 in Logan, Kansas to Harry and Laura (Leighty) Rickard. She grew up with five brothers and three sisters in Logan. After graduating from Logan High School in 1936, Mary moved to Clay Center where she met Frederick (Fritz) Hay. They were married on November 9, 1937. Mary and Fritz made a career in the restaurant business opening their first restaurant west of the Clay Center City Hall in November 1938. Fritz joined the Merchant Marines in 1942 and for the next three years they lived on Stanton Island, New York and in New Jersey. While Fritz was at sea, Mary worked at Camp Kilmer in New Jersey. After WWII, they returned to Clay Center where in 1947 they built the Clay Center Skating Rink. Mary and Fritz managed restaurants at the Clay Center Elks Club, and the Marysville and Clay Center Country Clubs. Mary was a devoted wife to Fritz who preceded her on May 5, 1987. They were big Kansas State “Wildcat fans” and rarely missed football and basketball games in Manhattan. Mary lived in Clay Center and Marysville, Kansas for over 70 years. Mary’s favorite hobbies were bridge, cooking, reading, tending to her vegetable garden and playing with her dog. Mary was beloved by her friends and neighbors, and she always provided a helping hand to those who were in need. Mary was preceded by her dear companion of twelve years Lawrence Claeys on May 22, 2003, a brother, Cecil Rickard and a Sister, Jean Graves. She was a member of the Clay Center United Methodist Church. Mary spent the last few years of her life at the Country Place Senior Living and Medicalodges where she received wonderful and loving care from their fine staff. Friends will gather at Greenwood Cemetery for a memorial service and burial next to her husband Fritz at 10:00 AM on Friday, May 1, 2015 with Pastor Ryan Lynch presiding. Memorials may be directed to the Clay Center Meadowlark Hospices, the Clay Center United Methodist Church or to a favorite charity in care of the funeral home.