Kenneth Charles Hays

Kenneth Charles Hays, 91, died on Thursday, Aug. 3, 2017 at his home in Troy. He was born Feb. 17, 1926 in Linton, North Dakota to Roy and Edna (Hays) Dilly. At age 5 he went to live with his Uncle and Aunt, Ernest and Louella Hays. He was later adopted by them.

Ken grew up in the Bull River Valley and graduated from Noxon High School in 1944. He served in the Navy from 1944 to 1946 on the USS New Jersey. He spent a short period of time in Chicago as an electrical helper. In 1950 he married Donna Bowman. They had two children Liane and Linda. They were married for 24 years.

He married his second wife Lillian Buti Larson on June 11, 1976. This marriage blessed his family with three stepchildren Alan, Bruna and John.

Ken worked as a logger until 1960. He then worked for the U.S. Forest Service until his retirement in 1988.

His passions in life were bowling, serving on the board of Libby Senior Center for 20 years (until he was ousted by a rule he helped create, that you were ineligible to serve after the age of 90. Fortunately, he was able to see the humor in it and still believed that it was a good rule), serving as secretary of the Bull Lake Rod and Gun Club, gardening, fishing, dancing on Saturday night (often later than his children or grandchildren), watching sports events, especially the Lady Griz, Gonzaga, and all of his grandkids’ games. He also enjoyed his daily walks. You could almost set your watch by the routine of his morning walks.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Lillian Larson Hays; stepson, Alan Larson; two brothers, Gene Hays and Forrest Miller; and his sister, Hazel Jones.

Ken is survived by his children, Liane Jordan of Spokane, Linda (Bruce) Clark of Troy; Bruna (Ken) Larson-Bogart of Lolo; John (Renee) Larson of Kalispell; and daughter-in-law Brenda Larson of Tulsa, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Jennifer, Justin, Amelia, Andrea, Alicia, Aaron, Angie, Casey, Dalton, Aja and Eric; 22 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by special friends Linda, Dedi, Gene, Wanda and many, many other friends.

Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, Aug. 11 at the Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Libby. Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12 at the City of Libby Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Libby.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Troy or Libby Senior Citizens Centers.

Share condolences and memories at www.schnackenbergfh.com.