Bernitta "Jean" Hays, age 84, of Celina, passed away at 12:20 AM Wednesday, March 30, 2016 at Kindred Hospital in Lima.

Jean had formerly resided in Mendon.

Born December 31, 1931 in Athens County, she was a daughter of the late Wayne A. & Bernice E. Randolph Swartz. Jean and Dale D. "Chick" Hays were married on July 25, 1960, and he preceded her in death on Feb. 10, 1976.

Surviving are a daughter, Susan (Terry) Byrley of Celina, a son, Daniel (Loretta) Hays of Mendon, step-sons: Dale Steven (Jackie) Hays of St. Marys and Joseph W. Hays of Lima, step-daughters: Vickie (Michael) Lyons of Lima and Bonnie (Dennis Wilson) Hays Wilson of California, nine grandchildren: Natasha Fischbach, Brant Byrley, Caleb Byrley, Dakota Hays, Melissa Stapleton, Melinda Armbruster, Greg Lyons, Tom Lyons and Rachel Manke, four great-grandchildren, two sisters: Roberta Henderson of Coolville and Grace Dorst of Shade, a sister-in-law, Dortha Baer of St. Marys, and a number of nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were a sister, Beulah Allen and an infant brother, Freddie Swartz.

A 1950 graduate of Shade High School, Jean was a homemaker, and worked for 35 years at the Goodyear Plant in St. Marys.

She was a member of Mendon United Methodist Church, and 20 years ago founded the Quilt Club at the church. She was a member of Celina Order of the Eastern Star #91. Favorite pastimes for Jean were sewing and quilting.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 P.M., Sunday, April 3, at W.H. Dick & Sons-Hellwarth Funeral Home in Celina, with Pastor Don Clinger officiating. Burial will follow at Mendon Cemetery.

Calling Hours are from 2-7:00 P.M., Saturday, April 2, and an hour prior to services on Sunday at the Funeral Home in Celina. The Celina Order of the Eastern Star #91 will hold services at 7:00 P.M. on Saturday at the Funeral Home.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Mendon United Methodist Church in Jean's name.

Condolences may be expressed at dickandsonshellwarthfh.com.