Joyce M. Hays

Joyce M. Hays, 86, of Franklin passed away at the Sugarcreek Care Center on October 16, 2025 with her family at her side.

Born on April 1, 1939 in Franklin, she was the daughter of the late Lee Ellwood and Grace L. Ross Hovis.

On August 27, 1955, she married the love of her life, Lewis A. Hays and he preceded her in death on September 8, 2013. Together, they built a wonderful family with four children that she enjoyed being at home to care for them. Through the years she and Lewis built three homes together and they both enjoyed traveling out west.

She worked for various places in the community like Polk Center, Mor For Less, and the Child Development Center.

Joyce enjoyed working in her garden and canning the bounty of vegetables. She also enjoyed working with flowers and creating beautiful floral arrangements.

Family get-togethers were her favorite and spoiling her grandchildren and great grandchildren were on the top of her list.

She was a member of the Maple Dale Church until it closed.

Left to cherish her memory are her children Michael L. Hays and his wife, Lisa, of Franklin, Susan M. Newton of Cooperstown, and Kimber M. Snyder of Franklin; her grandchildren Brandi Cherry and her husband, Michael, of Cooperstown, Heidi Phillips of Franklin, Chad Phillips and his wife Ashleigh of Cooperstown, Michael Hays, Jr. and his fiancée, Tiffany, of Franklin, Kristy Thompson and her husband, Dustin, of Franklin, Jennifer Johnson of Franklin, Ashley Cherry and her husband, Jordan of Franklin, and Kristen Reagle and her husband, Cody, of Fredonia; and her 13 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and her husband of 58 years, Joyce was preceded in death by her son, Donald L. Hays; her siblings John Hicks, Joan Attleberger and an infant brother Donald Hovis.

Guests will be received at Gardinier-Warren Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin on Monday, October 20th from 5 pm to 7 pm. Funeral services for Joyce will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, October 21st at 11 am with Pastor David Smith, pastor of the Franklin Church of the Nazarene, officiating.

Joyce will be laid to rest next to her husband at Old Sandy Cemetery, Polk.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Franklin Area Child Development Center, 614 11th Street, Franklin, PA 16323.

Please take a moment to share a memory or condolence with the family on Joyce’s Book of Memories online at warrenfh.com.