Kara Frances Hays

Kara Frances Hays was born on October 15, 1947, in Lubbock, Texas, to Cloyes and Lucille Tune. From a young age, Kara exhibited a love for learning and music. She attended P. F. Brown Elementary, Hutchinson Junior High, and graduated from Monterey High School in 1966. Kara pursued her passion for education and music at Texas Tech University, majoring in Elementary Education with a minor in Piano. She was among the first graduates of the newly named Texas Tech University.

In May 1970, Kara married Hugh Hays and moved to Irving, Texas, where she taught fourth grade for three years before dedicating herself to raising their two boys, Nathan and Kyle. Kara’s love for music filled their home, as she gave piano lessons and found joy in restoring a piano Hugh had purchased from a local craftsman who had rescued it from a barn. That piano still holds a special place in her home today.

When the family moved to Odessa in 1977 for Hugh’s first pastoral role, Kara fully embraced her new calling as a pastor’s wife. She poured her heart into supporting Hugh’s ministry, teaching Bible studies, leading Sunday school, and playing piano and organ for church services. Her dedication and warmth touched countless lives, and her genuine faith inspired those around her.

Kara’s talents and generosity extended far beyond the church. In her free time, she found joy in creative pursuits, including jazzercise, aerobics, cross-stitching, and cake decorating. She delighted in making her boys’ birthdays special, even crafting intricate cakes like a three-dimensional fire truck.

As a deeply compassionate person, Kara found ways to serve her community even when her health began to decline due to Multiple Sclerosis. She continued her ministry by creating personalized cards for church members and friends, preparing messages of encouragement, celebration, and sympathy that she mailed with love. For more than 25 years, Kara and Hugh maintained a “card ministry” that brought comfort and joy to many.

Kara’s unwavering faith was evident in her prayer life. She was known as a prayer warrior, diligently maintaining a detailed prayer book and faithfully lifting others in prayer. Even as her physical limitations grew, she used her phone to listen to scripture and pray through her extensive list of requests. Her afternoons were often spent with her Bible and prayer book, focusing on serving others through her faith.

Despite her challenges, Kara’s spirit remained strong. She was devoted to her family, her church, and the people she loved. Her beautiful smile was a constant reflection of her joy and gratitude, and it continued to shine, even in her final moments.

Kara is survived by her husband of 54 years, Hugh Hays of Lubbock, Texas; sons Nathan Hays (Amy) of Lubbock and Kyle Hays (Wendy) of Amarillo, Texas; grandchildren Schuyler Johnson (Brian) of Dallas, Oregon; Zac (Kayla) Thompson of Keizer, Oregon; and Timothy (Emily) Hays, Riley Hays, Kaitlynn Hays, and Keegan Hays, all of Lubbock. She is also survived by four great-grandchildren, D. J., Hayleigh, Ivie, and Joeli Johnson of Dallas, Oregon, as well as her sister Terry Eakle (Lonnie) of Greeley, Colorado, and many other cherished family members and friends.

Kara was preceded in death by her parents, Olin Cloyes and Miriam Lucille Tune, and her sister Carolyn Meador.

To honor Kara’s memory, donations can be made to the Lubbock First Church of the Nazarene, Gideons International, or a Multiple Sclerosis organization of your choice.

A memorial service will be held at a later date in early 2025.

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