Ellen Mae Hays

Ellen Mae Sikora Hays went to be with our Lord on September 29, 2024. She was 92 years old. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her devoted and grateful family.

Ellen was preceded in death by her father, Adolph Sikora; her mother, Genevieve McCabe Sikora; and her sister, Betty Joyce Sikora.

She is survived by her loving husband of 73 years, Jack Raymond Hays; her three adoring children: son Jack Hays and his wife, Andrea; daughter Jenna McEachern and her husband, Randy; and son Jeff and his wife, Gina. Eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren will miss their beloved Granny.

Ellen was born March 27, 1932 in Wharton, Texas, and was a dancer, musician, cheerleader, and outstanding student. She attended North Texas; there she continued her music education, was a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, and was selected as a Yucca beauty. Her beauty and talents attracted the attention of a handsome young football player from Dallas, and very soon she and Jack were married in Rockwall, TX.

Ellen was a dedicated teacher and coach’s wife who supported Jack’s career in Grapevine, Dallas, El Campo, and West Columbia, where they retired from education. They subsequently built a thriving insurance business and continued the excellence and service that defined their lives together. She will be remembered by countless lives she positively impacted as a mentor, coworker, hostess, entertainer, and friend.

A visitation will be held on Friday, October 18, 2024 from 4:30 to 6:30 PM at C. T. Baker & Sons Funeral Home, 634 S. Columbia Dr, West Columbia, TX. Her funeral service will be on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 11:00 AM at St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church, 207 Bob-O-Link Ln, Wharton, TX.

Memorial donations may be made to the Jack and Ellen Hays Scholarship Fund, 11819 Pavilion Blvd, Apartment # 112, Austin, TX 78759