ayes Emily Kay Hayes, 80, of Cassville, Mo. passed away Friday, January 17, 2025 at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Mo.

She was born on February 13, 1944, in Bartlesville, Okla., the daughter of Robert and Latrell (Jones) Nunnallee, who preceded her in death.

Also preceding her in death was her husband; two sons, Robert and Ernest Hayes, and daughter-in-law, Tammy Pointer – Hayes.

Survivors include her son, Kevin Hayes of Cassville, Mo.; daughter, Glenna Hayes of Cassville, Mo.; sister, Norene Bridges and her husband Mick of Branson, Mo.; nine grandchildren; eighteen great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

She was a member of the Cherokee Tribe, and kin to the legendary Will Rogers. She was raised by her maternal grandparents, Guy and Eva Prater, from the age of six. She was a graduate of Cassville High School, class of 1962. She worked at Wooten’s Drug Store during high school and later dedicating many years as an inspector for Justin Boot.

She was baptized in Flat Creek alongside her husband Bob and was a devoted member of Gunter Methodist Church in Butterfield for 50 years. In later years, she attended Blessing Heights Worship Center in Cassville.

Services were held Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at Gunter Methodist Church in Butterfield, Mo., under direction of Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville. Pastor Jerry Nickle conducted the services. Burial was at Gunter Cemetery in Butterfield, Mo.

Contributions may be made to Gunter Cemetery in memory of Kay.