Norvalene "Torchy" Hays

Norvalene “Torchy” Hays, 68, passed away April 15, 2016 in Olympia, WA, due to pulmonary fibrosis stemming from rheumatoid arthritis. She was born June 30, 1947 to Norval L. and Bess Ada Rodgers in Seattle, WA. She was a 1965 graduate of Sammamish High School in Bellevue, WA, and took classes at Olympic College in Bremerton, WA (1966-1972). She married John Hays in June 1966 in Seattle. Torchy held several retail sales positions, was owner/operator of catalog sales and a video store, and co-owner and operator of a commercial fishing tender in SE Alaska for 5 years. She enjoyed gardening, crafts, artificial flower arranging and music. Torchy was a bright shining star with a quick smile. She loved to meet new people. Her favorite places were on or near the water. Torchy’s family and Christian faith were very important to her. She sang in choirs beginning in junior high, most recently at Olympia First Baptist Church where she was a member, and with the Olympia Sweet Adelines. She also served on various church committees. She is survived by her husband, John C. Hays; sons, Matthew C. Hays and James A. Hays; six grandchildren; brother, John Jay Rodgers; sisters, Janice (Charles) Kelley of Olympia, and Connie Brown of Hoodsport, WA; and 15 nieces and nephews. Her parents predeceased her. In lieu of flowers, Torchy wanted donations to go to Olympia Baptist Church, Music Ministry. Please leave memories of Torchy or condolences for her family in the Guestbook below.