Nancy Carolyn (Hay) Hubbs, age 84, of Clinton, Missouri passed away peacefully on Monday, August 26, 2024 at Lincoln Community Care Center in Lincoln, Missouri, with her daughter by her side.
Carolyn was born on April 15, 1940, in Clinton, Missouri, to Elijah Monroe (EM) Hay Sr. and Sarah May Hagman Hite Hay. She was the youngest daughter in a large, loving family of 12 children.
Growing up in a musical family, Carolyn developed a passion for music at an early age. She learned to play the piano and guitar, and her love for dancing soon followed. Throughout her grade school years and high school years at Clinton Schools, Carolyn not only enjoyed dancing but also taught dance classes. Her talent and enthusiasm for dance led her to be featured on television in Springfield, Missouri, with her dance team, a testament to her dedication and skill.
At the age of 14, she met the love of her life, Kelly Hubbs, at a social event at Good Hope Baptist Church. After dating throughout high school, they were married on October 11, 1959, at the First Baptist Church of Clinton.
On February 25, 1963, Carolyn and Kelly welcomed their daughter, Dena Venee, into the world—she was the light of their lives. Carolyn was a devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend. She was known for her kindness, warmth, and unwavering love for her family and friends.
Throughout her lifetime, Carolyn worked at various jobs and was highly versatile, taking on different roles across diverse fields. She worked for Thornton Jennings of Sannebeck Insurance, Farmers Elevator, Clearfield Cheese, and attorney William (Bill) Cason. Later, she began her long-standing career with the Benton County Division of Family Services, where she remained for 31 1/2 years. Carolyn’s dedication and hard work in every role she undertook earned her the respect and admiration of colleagues and friends alike.
On weekends, Carolyn could often be found working at Mary’s Place near Bucksaw Resort, a role she enjoyed for many summer seasons. Even after retiring, she continued to stay active with part-time jobs. She worked at The Lodge at Bucksaw Marina for five years before moving on to work in the cash office at Walmart in Clinton. Carolyn’s strong work ethic and love for her community shone through in every position she held.
Carolyn will be remembered for her generosity, unwavering spirit, and infectious smile. She is survived by her loving daughter, Dena Venee and husband Chris Gray, brother Harry Don Hite (wife Trish), sister Rose Ann Phillips and sister-in-law Ann Hay. She is also survived by Nieces and Nephews- Cara Hay Wallace (husband Paul), Chris Hay (wife Barbara), Tom Hay (wife Karen Hay) Susan Hay Anderson, Sandy Hay, Ronald Ray Knight (wife Judy), Garey Delozier (wife Diana), Robert Delozier (wife Kaye), Kathy Lawson (husband Robbie), Dale Phillips (wife Beth) Steve Phillips (friend Giuliana) Linda Phillips wife of Mark Phillips, Paula Hall (husband Chris), Randy Williamson (wife Vencia) , Vicki DeTurpin Chauncey (husband Dick), Toni DeTurpin Goeke (husband Ed), Stacy Hite Wilson Likens (husband Chris), Karen Schuster (husband John), Chris Hite (wife Kristen), Angela Pettigrew (husband Rob) and Eric Hay (wife Sarah), plus many great nieces, great nephews, great great nieces and great great nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 65 years, Kelly Hubbs, brother Olaf Audrey Hay and sister-in-law Elizabeth, brother Hershel Lee Hay and sister-in-law Dorothy, brother Leonard Monroe Hay and sister-in-law Sue, sister Josephine Eden Hay Hanna and brother-in-law Bales, sister Helen Margaret Hay Childers, sister Mildred Louise Hay Delozier, brother-in-law Norman Phillips, sister Ellen Jean Hite Williamson McMillian and brother-in-law Saylor McMillian, sister Mary DeTurpin, brother E. M. Hay Jr, nephew Eugene Luther Delozier Jr, nephew Mark Phillips and niece Barbara Hay Wood.
Carolyn was blessed to be “Mom,” “Granny,” and “Great-Granny” to some very special people who adopted her into their hearts as family: Freddy and Haley Monteer; McKenna and Maverick Monteer; Jamie Harrill and Peyton Sloan; and Paula Bucy. She cherished these relationships and embraced each of them with love and care.
A special thanks is extended to Lincoln Community Care Center and Dr. Mark Snell for the exceptional care and compassion they provided to Carolyn and Kelly until their passing. Their dedication and kindness will always be remembered.
Carolyn will be dearly missed, but her spirit and the love she shared will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.
Memorial services were held September 8, 2024 at the Vansant-Mills Chapel, Clinton with Rev. David Mills officiating. Special music included “The Cowboy Rides Away, Go Rest High, Old Rugged Cross and The Yellow Rose of Texas.” Inurnment was in Good Hope Cemetery, Clinton, MO.
Services were under the direction of Vansant-Mills Funeral Home of Clinton, MO.
