Anita Louise (Frederick) Hay

Viewing for Anita Hay, 82, of Portales will be from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM on Monday, September 7, 2020, at Wheeler Mortuary.

Anita was born to the home of Stella (Hall) and Virgil Frederick on April 23, 1938 in Tampa, Florida.She went to be with the Lord in her sleep the morning of September 5, 2020. She married the love of her life, Larry Lynn Hay after only knowing each other two weeks on June 6, 1954 in Tampa, Florida. They spent the next 39 years together raising a family until a tragic accident took Larry in May 1995. Over their marriage, they lived in a number of cities and states following the construction industry which Larry worked in until becoming a truck driver. No matter where they went she always made the house they lived in a home with her love for her husband and seven children. The children were born within a nine year stretch of time between the oldest and youngest child. Over the years she held several jobs working in factories, restaurants, hospitals, and nursing homes in order to provide supplemental income for her family. She was never happier than when she was able to stay home and be with her children. Although things often were tough, family always came first and there was always room for one more at the table. Her house always became the center of a new neighborhood thanks to her ability to reach out to all the “kids.” She spent several years taking care of her mom until her death. Her greatest gift to her family was her faith and willingness to look past faults and still love others not just her family. She always tried to look forward and not backwards recognizing each day always brought new opportunities and promises. Until her health became an issue recently she was a faithful member of the Portales Church of God. She not only attended services but participated in the youth day activities. Her love for children never faded.

She is survived by four sons: Donald and Doris Hay, Larry and Helen Hay, Daniel and Trish Hay all of Portales, William and Jackie Hay of Lakeland Florida and her only daughter Sheryl and Brian Taylor of Portales. She also has 35 grandchildren, 53 great-grandchildren, 8 great-great-grandchildren spread throughout the United States. She was preceded in death by her husband Larry, two sons Patrick and Walter Hay, her great-grandson Zachary Hay, and her parents. She lived Proverbs 31:23-31 her whole life.

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