Frances Joan Hays, 81, of Cushing, Oklahoma passed away on Friday, November 29, 2024, in Drumright, Oklahoma.

She was born July 4, 1943, in Delano, California to the late John Bates Hays and Pauline (Hughes) Hays. Frances grew up in many places in California and is where she met the love of her life, Ben Walker, to which they got married in 1964. While they were only married for 10 years, they remained best friends for the rest of their lives.

Frances went to college and got her nursing degree, where she remained in nursing until she retired in 2008 as a dialysis nurse in Fresno, California. She then moved to Cushing to be with family. Frances loved to read, crochet, cross stitch, and study genealogy. She was also a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation, which she was very proud of.

She is preceded in death by her father and mother, her sisters Norma Gragg and Connie Pryse, and brother Donald Hays.

Although she could never have children, her nieces and nephews were the joy of her life. She had 11 nieces and nephews, 14 great-nieces and nephews, 22 great-great-nieces and nephews, and seven great-great-great-nieces and nephews. She loved them with all her heart.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Palmer Marler Funeral Home. A memorial service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at the Palmer Marler Funeral Home Chapel.