Zita Marie (Hays) Horan, 64, Springfield, passed away Saturday, March 19, 2011 in Cox Hospital with her husband and children by her side. She was born December 30, 1946 in Kansas City, Kansas, the daughter of John W and Emma (Reichenbach) Hays. She grew up in Kansas City, Kansas where she graduated from Bishop Ward High School in 1964 and received her Associate of Arts degree from Donnelly College. In 1966, she married Michael Horan. She taught 2nd grade at Christ the King elementary school and worked as an executive secretary. While her husband continued his professional education, she devoted herself to her growing family. Zita was an avid birdwatcher and lover of all things outdoors. Her interests included cooking, reading and spending time with her grandchildren. Gregarious and outgoing, Zita never met a stranger. She was a long time member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, was active in the Boys and Girls Club where she chaired the scholarship committee, was a member of the Springfield and Missouri dental auxiliaries and served as state President for two years. She was preceded in death by her father. Zita is survived by her husband of 44 years, Dr. Michael Horan; a son and his wife, Mike (Jeanie) Horan; three daughters and their husbands, Mandy (Bryan) Pfeifer, Trish (Rob) Dieter, Jessica (David) Meierotto. Ten grandchildren, Michael, Tyler, Abby, Joe, Adelaine, Noah, Henry, Elise, Amelia, Lucas and one grandchild soon to arrive. Also surviving are her mother; two sisters, Kathy Ciston and Teresa Kearney; one brother, John Hays; numerous nieces and nephews, and her bowling "sisters", Susan, Pam and Sue. Memorial contributions may be made to the Zita Horan scholarship fund at the Boys and Girls Club of Springfield or Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, March 23, 2011 in Holy Trinity Catholic Church with Father Fergus Monaghan. Visitation will be Tuesday, from 6 to 8 p.m., with a rosary at 7 p.m., in the church. Arrangements are under the care of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home.
