M. Leah Hayes passed away on September 5, 2021, at the age of 94. Leah was born October 6, 1926, in Pittsburg, Kansas to Mr. and Mrs. Glenn D. Smith.

Moving around as a young child, the family finally settled in Joplin, Missouri where she graduated from Joplin High School in 1944. Upon graduation she attended Kansas University as a Pharmacology Major and was a Gold Medal winner for the KU Archery Club. After attending KU, she returned to Joplin where she was employed by WMBH radio station as their Continuity writer. Working at the radio station, she became the first female voice to host a daily talk show west of the Mississippi. It was while working at the radio station; she met and married the love of her life, Jim L. Hayes of Sheridan, Arkansas. They were married December 31, 1949, at her parents' home in Joplin. She was instrumental in forming the KU Alum Association in Joplin and served as the secretary for many years. All three of her children were born in Joplin. Jim and Leah established homes in Salina, Kansas; Kansas City, Missouri; and Claremore, Oklahoma before moving to Lubbock, Texas.

She was a 50-year member of the Order of Eastern Star where she served as Worthy Matron of University Chapter #1082. Additionally, she held the position of Grand Ruth and was a member of the state Board of Grand Trustees for Texas. She was an active member of Oakwood Methodist Church while living in Lubbock.

Leah's two greatest passions were traveling and sports. Following the death of Jim in 2003, she spent many days and years cruising through all seven continents for a total of more than 150 countries as well as all 50 states in the USA. It was on one of her cruises that she met JC, Marcus, and John, who were performing in preparation for America's Got Talent. Leah was not only the first The Texas Tenor Fan, but also became Grandmother Leah to all members of the Fan Club. Leah loved all sports, but especially KU Basketball and followed them faithfully.  It was because of her love for KU and the friendship with JC that he and his wife arranged for Leah to attend her first KU Basketball game in Allen Field House in January 2013. Leah moved to Dodge City in 2015 to be closer to her daughter and was a member of First United Methodist Church of Dodge City.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Norman Smith; husband, Jim Hayes; son, Paul Hayes; granddaughter, Judith Kay Sapp; and grandson, Chad Barclay.  Those left to mourn her passing are daughter, Nancy Sapp of Dodge City, Kansas; her son, David Hayes and wife Carol of Lufkin, Texas; grandchildren, Michael Sapp and wife Heather of Tampa, Florida, Julie Purin and husband Peter of Shawnee, Oklahoma, Kimberly Griggs and husband Cory of Amarillo, Texas, Jennifer Krusing and husband Mike of Lubbock, Texas, Greg Hayes and wife Melissa of Plano, Texas, and Melissa Crager and husband, Brian of Lufkin, Texas; 19 great grandchildren; cousins and the many friends she met throughout her life.

Funeral service will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Dodge City, Kansas on Saturday, September 11, 2021 at 10:00 AM.  Burial will be at Resthaven Cemetery in Lubbock, Texas on Monday, September 13, 2021 at 10:00 AM.  Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel in Dodge City, Kansas on Friday, September 10, 2021 from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM with the family present from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.  Memorials are suggested to St. Bernard Chapter #97 Order of Eastern Star, Dodge City, Ford County Humane Society, Lubbock Chapter #76 Order of Eastern Star, or Humane Society of West Texas all in care of the funeral home.  Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.