Terry V Hays

Celebration of life service for Terry V. Hays will be held on Thursday, February 23, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. at the Huntley United Methodist Church in Huntley, Nebraska with Pastor Ryan Findley officiating. Interment will be held in the Edison Cemetery at Edison, Nebraska following the services.

Terry Vaughn Hays, 60 years of age, of Alma, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 19, 2017 at his home in Alma surrounded by his family, following a courageous battle with cancer. Terry was born June 22, 1956 at Alma, the second of five children born to William F. "Bill" Hays and JoAnn D. (VonHollen) Hays. He grew up on the family farm near Edison. Terry received his primary education at Edison, and then attended Oxford Community School, graduating from Oxford High School with the class of 1974. While in school, and after graduation he enjoyed working for various farmers in the Oxford and Edison areas which included: Walt Rankin and Cork Lueking. During this time, Terry was also employed by the Oxford Sale Barn.

In 1981, Terry purchased his first farm, and continued his lifelong passion of farming. On April 7, 1990 he was united in marriage to Sally Schluntz in Huntley. They made their home on their farm northeast of Edison. They were blessed with three children: Tanner, Hannah, and Haley. In 2004, Terry and Sally moved into Alma, yet continued to farm and operate a cow/calf operation near Edison. He was a hardworking man that loved the farm, and his cattle. In recent years, Terry loved working side-by-side with his son, Tanner in the family farming business.

Terry loved his children deeply, and advised them well; he always strived to set a good example for them. If one of the kids had a misadventure, they would always call their Dad first, Mom was always the last to know! He was extremely proud of his kids, and a highlight of his life was attending their academic and sporting events. He always had a special way of encouraging them in all of their endeavors.

Terry was also a wonderful uncle, he treasured the special bonds that were formed throughout the years with all of his nieces and nephews. He had a huge heart, always saw the good in people, and had friends of all ages.

He loved the time spent with his wife, Sally. They loved going for rides in the pickup to check cattle, enjoyed going out for supper with friends, but most of all following their kids' sporting events and supporting their Alma Cardinals was at the top of their list.

Terry was also very involved in the Alma Ball Association, and was instrumental in the construction of the little league field. He enjoyed coaching Tanner's baseball team for seven years. Besides coaching, Terry also enjoyed preparing the field before each game. He was honored to be the recipient of the Volunteer of the Year Award for his dedication and service to the community during this time.

The family attended church at the Huntley United Methodist Church, where Terry became a member.

He was preceded in death by his father, William F. "Bill" Hays in 2012 and a host of aunts, uncles and friends.

Terry leaves to celebrate his life; his loving wife of almost 27 years, Sally Hays of Alma; his three children: Tanner, Hannah, and Haley Hays all of Alma; his mother, JoAnn Hays of Oxford, Nebraska; father-in-law and mother-in-law: John and Nancy Schluntz of rural Huntley; three brothers: Bill Hays and his wife, Kammi of Edison, Stan Hays and his wife, Kathy of Hazelton, Kansas, and Jerry Hays of Oxford; one sister, Kathy McQuiston and her husband, Dave of Oxford; brother-in-law, Joe Schluntz of rural Huntley; sisters-in-law: Susan Konert and her husband, Mike of Huntley and Patty Oppegard and her husband, Jim of Lincoln, Nebraska; and several cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 22, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. with the family greeting from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Bauer-Torrey & Mach Funeral Home in Alma.

A memorial has been established in Terry's honor and will be designated at a later date.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Bauer-Torrey & Mach Funeral Home in Alma is in charge of the arrangements.