Rudine Hays was born on March 6, 1935, the son of Clark and Lettie Vance Hays. He passed from this life at the Hazard Appalachian Regional Medical Center at Hazard on October 3, 2009, making his stay on earth seventy-four years, six months and twenty-seven days.

Rudine is survived by four sisters: Navon and husband, R.B. Singleton, Mildred Sue and husband, Johnny Childers, Patricia and husband, Robert Gentry, and Verie Gibson; and two brothers: Shelby and wife, Judy Hays and Larry and wife, Debbie Hays. In addition to his brothers and sisters, he is survived by a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother and father.

Rudine spent his life at home with his parents. Lettie and Clark raised big gardens and always had hogs, cows and horses on their farm. Rudine took special pride in the gardens. He could talk for hours about growing the many vegetables that mountain folks love to eat. He knew the best variety and the right way to plant, care for and harvest. He was always eager to tell anyone of his way to raise a good garden. Rudine usually had an opinion on everything, he loved to talk.

As he grew older, Rudine began to have health problems, including cancer. He had many hospital visits and treatments, yet he never complained. Rudine had a great faith in prayer and always wanted his visitors to pray before leaving. When things weren't going right, he wanted someone to call for prayer. Because of her health, his mother had to go to the Knott County Nursing Home to live and Larry and his wife moved in the home place to help take care of Rudine, along with the help provided by the other brothers and sisters. Yet, Rudine's health steadily declined and the frequency of hospital visits increased. The last few weeks of his life were also spent in the Knott County Nursing Home.

Rudine made his peace with God and joined the Happy Home Church during a stay in the Hazard ARH. His mother rejoiced as she watched and listened to her son tell of his faith in Gods promises. Rudine was baptized into the Happy Home Church on July 2, 2006 by Elder Don Pratt, Elder Alger Mullins and Brother Duane Hall. There was much rejoicing at the water side. It was a very special day in his life and he loved to talk with others about it.

God knew that Rudine was having a struggle to hold on to life so He sent His angels to take him home on October 3,2009. Rudine is safe at home with the Lord. His struggles of life have ended. He was my friend, my buddy and my brother in the Lord. The memories of this good man will not be forgotten. The family circle is broken on earth but it can be complete in Heaven if we trust in the same God as Rudine and his parents.

Obit written by a Brother in Christ Jesus.