Mary Cecilia Hayes

Mary Cecilia (Rayer) Hayes, age 87, passed away in McCook Ne at Kinship Pointe Assisted Living, on Tuesday August 26, 2025 surrounded by family.

Mary was born January 13, 1938 to Maurice Rayer & Elsie (Colling) Rayer at McCook, Nebraska. Due to the early passing of Mary’s mother she was raised by her father and two older brothers.

Mary attended country school and graduated from Indianola high school. She then attended McCook Community College to become a schoolteacher. Mary taught country school at District 16 south of McCook.

On December 26, 1959, she married Albert R. Hayes at St Catherine’s Catholic Church in Indianola. To this union two sons were born, Albert Leroy and Mark Eugene. Mary enjoyed being a farm wife and a mother. She raised chickens, drove the grain truck when needed and always had a good meal to take to the harvest field.

Mary kept her teaching certificate up-to-date and never turned down the opportunity to substitute at any of the area schools. She loved bowling, playing cards and traveling as well as being with her grandkids and family.

Mary was a great friend to many people and loved helping others. She always was the first one to buy flowers, deliver a meal to someone, and especially loved sending cards and giving gifts. She never wanted anyone to feel left out.

Mary’s four grandchildren were her pride and joy, which she spoiled terribly, but would never admit. She spent many hours taking them to swimming lessons, summer CCD camp and “babysitting” them. As the grandchildren became active in school, she never missed a sporting event, sometimes traveling to two different schools in the same day.

Mary and Albert enjoyed the county fair and being 4-H leaders for many years. Most of their 4-Hers called her “grandma”. She was very active in the church as an altar society member and deanery president. Any chance Mary could be going somewhere with someone she was always ready.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Maurice “Joe” Rayer, and James “Jim” Rayer; and brother-in-law Jerry Proud.

Mary is survived by her spouse, Albert Hayes; sons, Leroy Hayes (Judy) of Cambridge and Mark Hayes (Brenda) of Bartley; four grandchildren: Tracy Morris, Tyler Hayes (Lou), Darcie Keenportz (Josh) and Troy Hayes (Ashley); eight great-grandchildren, one brother, Dick Rayer (Jane), one sister-in-law, Murietta Proud, one brother-in-law, Randy Hayes (Margene) and several nieces and nephews, extended relatives and a host of special friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday evening, August 29, 2025 from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Lockenour-Jones Mortuary in Cambridge. A Rosary will be recited following the visitation, beginning at 7:00 PM at the mortuary.

Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 10:00 AM on Saturday morning, August 30, 2025 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Cambridge with Father Kenneth Wehrs celebrating. Burial in the St. John Catholic Cemetery in Cambridge will follow services.

Memorials are suggested to the family of Mary Hayes for future designation. Online condolences may be left at lockenour.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Lockenour-Jones Mortuary of Cambridge.