Chong Suk Hays, 71, of Prosser, WA, passed away March 15, 2008. She was born October 5, 1936 in Seoul South Korea and lived in Prosser for 12 years.

Chong’s early years were spent in and around Seoul, helping raise the other three children. She also helped run the Seoul store.

In 1978 she met her future husband, whom she married April 27, 1979. The first years of marriage were spent in Korea. In April of 1980 they moved to Ft. Hachuca, Arizona, transferred next to Germany, and then back to Ft. Hachuca. Chong worked as a bagger at the post commissary for many years. Upon her husband’s retirement from the Army, they moved to Prosser.

She was an accomplished knitter, making many sweaters, vests, slippers for husband and family members, and she liked to garden. She helped raise Bummer lambs and will be missed by her friends at church.

Survivors include her husband Sam Hays; brother Yi, Won Hun and wife of Seoul Korea; nieces and nephews; and special friend Jo Metz of Sierra Vista, Arizona.

Preceding her in death are both parents; one sister and one brother.

Funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM Wednesday, March 19th at Korean Presbyterian Church of Central Washington, 950 Gage Blvd., Richland. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Richland.

The family extends a special thanks to the staff of the Lower Valley Hospice, and also to Dr. Menasche and staff at Yakima chest center. Memorial contributions may be made in Chong’s name to Lower Valley Hospice, 3920 Outlook Rd, Sunnyside, WA 98944.