Barbara May Gigax

Barbara May (Peterson) Gigax of Hayes Center, NE passed away peaceful with family at her side on January 16, 2025 at Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook NE. She was 94 years old.

Barbara was born on May 10, 1930, in rural Lincoln County to John and Maggie (Wilhelmson) Peterson. Barbara attended Hayes Center Schools and graduated in 1948. On October 27, 1949 she married her high school sweetheart, Boyd Gigax. They began their married life farming in Hayes County, but in the mid-fifties they moved to Texas where Boyd was involved in the trucking industry. Barbara was a homemaker, raising two sons Donald and Blake. After moving to San Antonio, Barbara worked for City Public Services for 25 year and upon retirement they moved back to Hayes County to be near family.

Barbara was lovingly known to all as “Granny”. Granny’s greatest joy was her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She never missed a school activity. She hosted many family gatherings. Super Bowl parties, football and volleyball games. Barbara would also travel to Florida to spend time with her Florida “Grands”. She loved spending time with family. She loved to read and spent many a late night finishing a book. She also loved to sew and knit. In earlier years she made many outfits and dresses for her granddaughters, scarfs and blankets, Barbie doll clothes, mended jeans, and always had her machine ready for the next project. Granny loved working in her yard and tending to her “town” garden. She also loved her church and attended the many activities. Granny was a woman with spunk and determination.

Survivors include son Blake (Mary) Gigax of Hayes Center, daughter-in-law Maggie Gigax of Jacksonville, FL, grandchildren Stephen Gigax of North Platte NE, Jennifer Gigax of Lenora, KS, Rebecca (JD) Grimes of Hayes Center, Alice (Shawn) Hultquist of St. Johns, FL, Gene (Jennifer) Gigax of Jacksonville, FL. Great grandchildren Garrett, Caitlin, and Wyatt Hultquist, Ryan and Emily Gigax, and Eli and Embry Grimes. Sister-in-law Patsy Gigax of Dallas, TX. As well as many nieces and nephews and friends.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, husband Boyd, son Donald, grandson John Charles “Charlie”, brothers Marvin, Charles “Whitey” and twin brother Richard Peterson, as well as other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM on Thursday, January 23, 2025 at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook; Barbara's family will greet friends from 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM. A rosary will follow the visitation, beginning at 6:00 pm.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 AM on Friday morning, January 24, 2025 at the Union Congregational United Church of Christ in Hayes Center, Nebraska with Glenn Littrell officiating. Cremation will follow services and burial in the Hayes Center Cemetery will take place in the summer.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Hayes Center Ambulance Fund in Barbara's name. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook.