Lola Jean Hays

DANVILLE – Lola Jean (Bender) Hays, 100, passed away of natural causes peacefully early Saturday morning, July 30, 2022 at Danville Regional Rehab Center. She was formerly of Muncie, but made her home with her daughter in Indianapolis for several years. She was born on March 28, 1922 in Muncie, the daughter of J. Stuart and Lala M. (Rinker) Bender. She was blessed with a long and full life surrounded with love from her family and her lifelong friends. She graduated from Muncie Central High School in 1940. She attended Ball State University and Indiana Business College. She worked at First Presbyterian Church as a secretary to the church and Dr. Lewis Gishler, minister and for Kermit Hays Beauty Supply, retiring in 1984. She married Earl W. Hays, a Muncie teacher, on February 19, 1954. Jean was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, S. Edward Bender who died in Okinawa during World War 2; her loving husband of 42 years, Earl W. Hays; and by many brothers and sisters-in-law of the Hays family; a great- grandson, Isaac Blaine Beeson; and a step- grandson, Scott Huddleson. Jean loved to play bridge and had many friends through her memberships in the bridge clubs that she played and was a charter member of The Tuesday Luncheon Bridge. She was National President of Delta Sigma Sorority and held various offices in the Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma. She was a member of High Street United Methodist Church for over 62 years. She was President of the Parent Teacher Association at Riley Elementary School, President of the Minnetrista Neighborhood Association and helped in committees with the planning of the Minnetrista Center. She was a strong Muncie Central Bearcat fan and loved her Bearcat purple! She and her friends were always planning adventures (traveling) and activities that brought them a lot of fun over the years. She is survived by her daughter, Sheila L. Huddleson of Indianapolis; one son, Steven W. Hays (wife, Deb) of Wilsonville, OR; grandchildren, Shohn Beeson -Greenwood, Jason Beeson- Muncie, Benjamin Beeson-Fishers; step-grandchildren, Joshua-Thorntown, and Levi Huddleson- Muncie and Janet Gutwein (Dan)- Zionville; great-grandchildren, Erica Hartsel and Brayden Huddleson, Cormac Beeson and Sophia Beeson; plus two great- great- grandsons. A Memorial Service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 4, 2022 at The Meeks Mortuary and Crematory, Washington Street Chapel with Pastor Teri Crouse officiating. Cremation will take place. Family and friends may call at The Meeks Mortuary and Crematory, Washington Street Chapel from 3:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 4, 2022. Memorial Contributions may be directed to High Street United Methodist Church, 219 S. High Street, Muncie, IN 47305 or to Bridgeport United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 31139, Indianapolis, IN 46231. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.meeksmortuary.com.