Neva Mae Hayes

April 21, 1941 – June 17, 2026

With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we announce the passing of Neva Mae Hayes, who went home to be with her Lord on June 17, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family and friends.

Neva was born on April 21, 1941, in Council Grove, Kansas, to Truman and Opal Strong. She spent her early years on the family farm in Burns, Kansas, where she developed the strength, resilience, and spirited nature that would define her throughout her life. As a young woman, Neva embraced life with enthusiasm and confidence. She was a cheerleader, crowned Football Queen, and even enjoyed a little late-night drag racing, proving early on that she was never one to shy away from adventure.

After leaving home, Neva earned her Dental Assistant license and began building the family that would become the center of her world. She was the proud mother of two children, Dallas Schuster and Shawn Harper, both of whom survive her.

Neva later married the love of her life, John Hayes, and together they shared more than forty years of devotion, laughter, adventure, and unwavering companionship. Their marriage was filled with travel, dancing, countless memories, and a playful banter that kept everyone around them smiling. John preceded Neva in death, and those who loved them find comfort in imagining their joyful reunion in Heaven, where her Knight had eagerly awaited her arrival.

To know Neva was to know warmth, laughter, and unconditional love. She was the matriarch of her family, steering the helm for decades with grace, determination, and just the right amount of sass. She hosted unforgettable birthday parties, baked cakes that became family legends, gave hugs that could heal any heartache, and always knew exactly what to say, whether it was encouragement, wisdom, or a teasing remark delivered with a twinkle in her eye.

Neva found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved playing Bingo, sharing brunches with her cherished “Ladies of the Knights,” and spending precious time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Christmas was especially dear to her heart. Whether she was making ribbon candy in the kitchen or helping Santa, better known to the family as Papa prepare for his annual Christmas Eve visit, Neva made every holiday magical and every family gathering memorable.

Her greatest accomplishment was the family she nurtured and loved so fiercely. Neva leaves behind a remarkable legacy and is survived by her two children: Dallas Schuster and Shawn Harper; five grandchildren; Jenelle Goodrich (Casey Goodrich), Ashley Morrison (JJ Morrison), Zach Rudolph (Jessica Rudolph), Jordan Bunce (Jerrod Bunce), Destin Harper (Jovi Harper); and seventeen great-grandchildren, all of whom were blessed by her love, guidance, and unwavering presence. Each carries cherished stories and memories that will continue to bring comfort, laughter, and inspiration for generations to come.

Though her family mourns her absence, they celebrate a life well lived. A life marked by faith, love, strength, humor, and devotion to those she held dear. The lessons she taught, the traditions she created, and the love she shared will remain woven into the fabric of her family forever.

Memorial services will be announced in the coming months, and the family will share details as they become available.

As we say goodbye, we hold close the words that so beautifully capture the love Neva leaves behind:

"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." — A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

Forever loved. Forever remembered. Forever our Neva Mae.