Stella Hayes

Stella Hayes, age 93, went home to her Lord on Nov. 11, 2005. Stella was born on Oct. 27, 1912, in Crowberg, Kan., to Joe and Josephine Fontanazza.

After graduating from Jr. College in Pittsburg, Kan., she met her future husband while playing tennis. Hillard and Stella were married on July 14,1932, in Garnett, Kan. While living in Leroy, Kan., she owned and operated Hayes Variety Store. On Christmas day in 1940, her son Bill was born, he was the light of her life. She lived in Nevada, Mo., for 13 years, and moved to Marysville, Wash., in 1955.

Besides her son, church was a very important part of her life. She taught Sunday school from, the age of 18 to her late '60s. Stella worked a J.C. Penney in Everett, Wash., for 25 years, retiring at the age of 70, as the manager of the notions department.

Stella was a caring person wbo was loved by many. She is survived by her son Bill and his wife Kathy, Camano Island, Wash.; three grandchildren, Carrie, Suzie, and Steve; three great-grandchildren, Cole, Jake, and half-sister Rose. Also surviving is her beloved niece, Judy (Arnie) Thompson and numerous other nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Hillard, mother, father, step-father, sister, and half-sisters.

Viewing will be Wednesday, Nov. 16, from 12-5 p.m. at Schaefer-Shipman Funeral Home, 804 State Ave, Marysville, WA. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, at SchaferShipman Funeral Home.