O’Della C. “Della” Bedard, age 92, of Hays, KS passed away Thursday, July 7, 2016 at Via Christi Village of Hays. She was born March 27, 1924 in Damar, Kansas to Arthur and Alice (Thibault) Newell.

She married Levi Bedard on November 27, 1941 in Damar, Kansas. He proceeded her in death on May 20, 2005.

She was a homemaker and worked for 13 years at Woolworth and 12 years at Travenol. After retiring, Della was very active with volunteer efforts at St. Anthony Hospital, St. John’s Auxiliary, Eucharistic Ministry, Senior Companion, Christian Mothers, Altar Society and Perpetual Adoration. She enjoyed square dancing with Levi for many years and loved to play cards especially bridge. She was a member of St. Joseph’ Catholic Church of Hays.

She is survived by a son, Dick Bedard (Janelle) of Wichita, KS; four daughters, Carol Bedard of Leavenworth, KS, Michelle Beyer (Greg) of Hays, KS, Jeanette Howerton (Bob) of Aurora, CO and Judy Koerner (Dave) of Lee’s Summit, MO; a brother, E.J. Newell of Hays, KS; two sisters, Priscilla Emigh of Hays, KS and Pat Belisle of Damar, KS; twelve grandchildren, Debbie Bedard, Diane Figge, Renee Befort, Scott Bedard, Jennifer VonFeldt, Melissa Schoepf, Joshua Howerton, Matthew Howerton, Kimberly Howerton, Lindsay Stutzman, Brad Koerner, Brooke Koerner; 13 great grandchildren, and 2great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Levi; two sons, Dale and Raymond Bedard; a granddaughter, Stephanie Beyer; two brothers, Mitchell and Robert Newell and a sister, Eleanor Bellerive.

The family has asked that donations be made out to Hays Med Hospice at 2220 Canterbury Drive, Hays, KS 67601 and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church at 210 W. 13th St., Hays, KS 67601.
Masses will take place at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.

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