Lula Belle Hays

Lula Belle Hays, age 71, passed away peacefully September 8, 2020 in Mission, Texas. She was born July 28, 1949 in Red Branch, Texas to Robert Lee & Ora Faye Radford. Lula Belle earned her Bachelors Degree in Teaching from Sam Houston State University and a Masters Degree in Special Education from Stephen F. Austin State University. She worked as a junior high and elementary teacher in both the Oakwood and Buffalo school districts.

Teaching was Lula Belle’s life’s work, and she strove to give each of her students a solid start in life. Even after retiring, she kept returning to the classroom as a substitute to help those in need. She was truly an exemplar of kindness and selflessness. She was also lovingly dedicated to her family. Lula Belle will be greatly missed by her family and all those whose lives she touched along the way. She was a seventy year resident of Leon County and a member of Stewart Memorial United Methodist Church in Buffalo.

Lula Belle was preceded in death by both of her parents; husband, Beverly Bayne Rhyne and sister, Connie Radford. Surviving relatives include husband, Mike Hays of Elkhart; sons, William Nestor & wife, Mary of Palestine and Robert Rhyne & wife, Beth Anne of Corsicana; daughters, Nancy Helmcamp & husband, Randy of McAllen and Ruth McLaughlin & husband, John of Bellevue, WA, as well as grandchildren, Taylor, Carter, Jackson & Madison Helmcamp of McAllen, Kaylee Rhyne, Damian & Amara McLaughlin of Bellevue, WA & Barrett Rhyne of Corsicana. Additionally, Lula Belle is survived by sisters, Robbie Scheel & husband, George of Bay City & Carolyn Smith of The Woodlands & brother, Joe Radford & wife, Frankie of Tennessee Colony.

Out of respect for the safety and health of all, a private family graveside service has been planned.

Walters' Buffalo Funeral Home, Buffalo, Texas is entrusted with final arrangements.