Frances M Hay

Fran was born and raised in Hardin, Missouri, in a small country home without electricity or indoor plumbing. She graduated from Central High School in Hardin in 1947. Shortly after graduation, she moved to Kansas City, Missouri, with her sister and two friends, where she began working as a Clerk Typist for the Veterans Administration. It was there that she met the love of her life, Vincent “Vince” James Hay, and they were married.

In the late 1950s, when Vince accepted a position in the newly established space program, they relocated to Melbourne, Florida. Fran lived in Melbourne for more than 50 years before moving to Aiken, South Carolina. Together, Fran and Vince raised two children, Richard and Pam.

While in Melbourne, Fran worked as a Clerk Typist for the government at Patrick Air Force Base before dedicating herself fully to raising her family. She was a faithful member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church and an active participant in the United Methodist Women.

Fran found great joy in caring for her home and family. She was an avid crocheter, lovingly making afghans for her family and delicate doilies to share with friends. She was also known for her baking—her cookies and cakes were a constant expression of her love. Living near Cape Canaveral, she delighted in watching missile launches from her front yard. She took pride in her yard, especially her hibiscus flowers, and enjoyed tending her many flower beds. She loved feeding cardinals and watching butterflies flutter through her garden.

Above all, Fran was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She cherished her family deeply and was immensely proud of each of them. She delighted in sharing their pictures with caregivers and visitors, always eager to speak of their accomplishments and milestones.

Fran was preceded in death by her loving husband, Vincent “Vince” James Hay.

She is survived by her children, Richard (Mary) Hay of Roseville, Minnesota, and Pam (Tim) Bennett of Aiken, South Carolina; her grandchildren, Kayleigh (Clay) Smith of Aiken, South Carolina, Kristine (Jake Abrams) Hay of Crookston, Minnesota, Brad Hay of Roseville, Minnesota, and Stephen Bennett of Columbia, South Carolina; her great-grandchildren, Chase Benoit of Crookston, Minnesota, Carter Smith and Aubrey Smith of Aiken, South Carolina; and her sister, Maxine Liechti of Liberty, Missouri.

Fran will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

For those unable to attend the funeral service, it may be viewed by visiting https://stjaiken.org/, selecting “Media,” and then “Memorial Services.”

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on March 6, 2026, at St. John's Methodist Church, located at 104 Newberry St. NW, Aiken, SC 29801.