Janice Kay (Vernon) Hayes, 77, of Atwood, was born in Oberlin, KS, July 11, 1943, and passed away September 28, 2020, at Rawlins County Health Center, with her three children by her side. Janice was 3rd of six children born to Glenn & Florence (Hoppess) Vernon and grew up on a family farm east of Oberlin, KS, near Norcatur. Janice attended school in Decatur County and married Richard Hayes on August 13, 1960. To this union three children were born, Machelle, Rocky and Melissa. The couple lived in Decatur County until they moved to Atwood in 1974, after purchasing The Atwood Sale Barn. Janice loved cooking and ran the sale barn café for several years.
She will be remembered for her pies and cinnamon rolls made from scratch and her famous hot beef sandwiches. You never left her house without eating, whether you were hungry or not. Janice and Rich ran different cooking establishments together after selling the sale barn and served many citizens in Rawlins County their amazing food. Janice also enjoyed fishing and camping with her husband, children and families along with friends later in life. Her grandkids and great grandkids were her pride and joy along with her little dog Molly, who she missed desperately after her husband passed away and she moved to the nursing home in Atwood.
Janice was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Richard Hayes; two sisters, Barbara Kirkpatrick and Rhonda Hill; three brothers, Charles & wife Millie Vernon, Voyle (Butch) Vernon, and Kevin Vernon; two nephews, Jimmy & Terry Jones and two nieces, Julie Greening and Kinda Byrge
Janice is survived by her three children and spouses, Machelle & Ron Brown, Rocky & Lisa Hayes, and Melissa & Mike McCoy, all of Atwood, KS; eight grandchildren, Tosha & Amy Landau, Hunter & Heath Knopp, Mason McCoy, Bryanna Metcalf & husband Brandon and Cauy & Tanner Hayes; four great grandchildren, Chloe Simpson and Lane, Kambri & Brayer Metcalf and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Cremation was chosen and a memorial service will take place at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the Janice Kay Hayes Memorial Fund and can be sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com