Zireta Votaw

Zireta L. Votaw, age 89, of Hays, Kansas, passed away on June 14, 2024, in Hays. She was born on June 28, 1934, in Miami, Oklahoma, to John S. and Burley (Davis) Foust.

Zireta married Charles I. Votaw on August 19, 1956, in Miami, OK. She earned a bachelor's degree and began her career as a high school business teacher in Perkins, Oklahoma. Zireta then transitioned to a longstanding career as a university secretary, first at the University of Kansas then dedicating 22 years to the biology department at Fort Hays State University.

Zireta was known for her exceptional skills as a seamstress and her passion for ceramics. However, her greatest joy came from being a devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was deeply involved in the care of her beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, Charles, of Hays; her son, Tony Votaw, and his wife, Polly, of Ithaca, New York; her daughter, Brenda McMillin, of Hays; and her three grandchildren: Travis Votaw and his wife, Penny, Sara August and her husband, Brad, and Kyda Warrior. Zireta also leaves behind five great-grandchildren: Reece, Kirsten, Emerson, Collin, and Lily.

Zireta was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, George Alvin Foust.

Private family services are planned, with inurnment to take place at a later date in Miami, Oklahoma.

Memorial contributions in Zireta's memory may be made to the organization of choice. 

Memories and words of comfort may be shared on Zireta's tribute page at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com.

Services are in the care of Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory-Brock's Chapel, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601.