Agnes “Aggie” E. Haley, 91, was called home to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, February 8, 2021, with her loving family by her side.
Aggie was born April 5, 1929, in Egeland, North Dakota, to Adolph and Albertina (Loudin) Rinas. She was one of thirteen children and being raised on the family farm instilled in her a tremendous work ethic and great love for family.
Aggie graduated from Egeland High School in 1946 and was valedictorian of her class. She graduated in 1949 from the Sisters of St. Joseph School of Nursing in North Dakota. Aggie proudly joined the US Navy in 1952 and served as a nurse at St. Albans Naval Hospital and Great Lakes Hospital. She was stationed in Japan for 2 years, did a stint on the Navy ship, USS General J.C. Breckinridge, before her last tour of duty in Bremerton, Washington, where she was honorably discharged as a Lieutenant.
While in Washington, Aggie met the love of her life, Gary L. Haley, D.D.S. and they married in 1958. They moved back to Mansfield, Ohio, where Gary set up his dental practice. Aggie was a devoted wife, loving mother and consummate volunteer.
She was an active member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Richland Chapter 51 of the Korean War Veterans Association – donating one of her uniforms to the Mansfield Memorial Museum, Mansfield Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Colony Club, PEO, MedCentral Auxiliary Gift Shop volunteer, and Mansfield Garden Club. Being extremely patriotic and concerned about our great country, Aggie worked for the Census Bureau and her neighborhood polling place always advocating your right to vote and even finished her husband’s committeeman’s position after his death. She was honored to take part in the first All Women’s Veteran Honor Flight out of Columbus, Ohio, to Washington D.C.
Aggie was an avid traveler. She had a never-ending zest for life and always was up for any new adventure or challenge. Her travels took her to all 50 states and numerous countries all over the world. Some of her most memorable experiences include: piloting the Goodyear Blimp, going on an Alaskan cruise and African safari along with trips to Australia, Russia, and Israel. Aggie completed private and commercial pilots ground school at OSU in 1970.
She was best known for her excellence in cooking, baking, and entertaining. Her calendar was always packed full of engagements at church, helping or visiting her friends, hosting parties, attending Ohio State football games, snowmobiling, golfing – which she did into her 80s – playing Bridge, and walking 2 miles a day. Her life’s attributes were many, but her greatest pleasure was her strong faith and commitment to her family and friends.
Aggie was preceded in death by her husband, Gary L. Haley; parents, Adolf and Albertina Rinas; a granddaughter, Hannah Elizabeth West; brothers, Otto, Bruno, Art, Hugo and Ray; sisters, Elsie, Rusty, Evie and Lois; and her infant siblings, Harold, Arlene and Robert.
She is survived by her children, Gary F. Haley (Carmella) of Ashland and Tina D. West (Curt) of Mansfield; grandchildren, Kelsey Tyree (Matt), Cameron West (Lindsay) and Zack Haley; great-grandchildren, Sage and Bowen Tyree and Parker West; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Rev. Dr. Pentti Maki and OhioHealth Hospice (especially Jake) for their wonderful care.
The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday, February 11, 2021, at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. The funeral service conducted by Rev. Dr. Pentti Maki will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 525 W. Cook Rd., Mansfield, with additional visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. She will be laid to rest beside her husband in Mansfield Cemetery at a future date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.
Aggie was a true inspiration to all who knew and loved her. She will be sadly missed!
Words of comfort may be expressed to the family at www.wappner.com.
