Her family lived in York, where she spent her childhood. Following her graduation from York High School, she attended, and graduated from, Kearney State Teachers College, now the University of Nebraska – Kearney.
Following her education, Helen was an educator and married Bob Hayes in 1948. They started their family in Kearney where Bob established his family medicine practice and Helen was actively involved in the community. She often referred to the family’s very special “Kearney Days.” In 1963, with five children ranging from 1 to 12 years old, Helen managed the Kearney household while Bob returned to the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha to specialize in Pathology. Though it was a relatively short stay in Omaha, Helen served on the Omaha Public Schools Advisory Committee and the Board of Elders for the newly organized Presbyterian Church of the Master.
Bob and Helen moved the family to Lincoln in 1967 when he gained a position with Pathology Medical Services.
Helen continued her deep commitment to community service in Lincoln, serving on the boards of the Lincoln Community Playhouse, Lincoln Children’s Zoo, Westminster Presbyterian Church, and the Nebraska Medical Auxiliary. Helen was appointed by Governor Kay Orr to the Nebraska Art Association and served on the Lincoln Arts Council. She was member and past president of PEO Chapter CS and the Lancaster County Medical Auxiliary, served as co-chairman of Governor Kay Orr’s Inaugural Committee, and was named a “Woman of the Year” by the Nebraska Arthritis Foundation. Helen supported her children in their varied activities and as a troop leader in both Cub Scouts and Camp Fire Girls.
Helen and Bob had the joy of 28 years of retirement when they shared time with family and friends, love of travel, and fishing and hunting expeditions. As an empty-nester, Helen could be found in a sports car with a hunting rifle in the backseat. She remained highly social, and in addition to building lifelong friendships in Kearney and Lincoln, she developed many new friendships across her Legacy Estates community. Known as being strong-willed and a consummate planner, and always looking ahead, this disposition was abundantly present in her last peaceful hours.
Helen is survived by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren: Karen (John) Ragsdale of Westminster, CO; Jim (Connie) Hayes of Palm City, FL; Bill (Stacy) Hayes of Highlands Ranch, CO; Janet Hayes, of Lincoln, NE; grandchildren: Ashley Ragsdale, Erin Sparks, and Lindsay Ragsdale; Amy, Michael, and Eric Hayes, and Katie (Zach) Huey; Lauren (Mike) Roybal and Austin Hayes; Steve (Taylor) Hayes and Summer (Zach Tanner) Hayes; great grandchildren: Rylie and Parker Roybal; Roy and Reggie Tanner; Hendrix and Jett Hayes, and many nieces, nephews and dear friends.
Mrs. Hayes was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. O. R. (Bob) Hayes; parents, Arnold and Henrietta Refshauge; her sisters, Marie Jacobs, Ilene Gotobed, and Bonnie Crown; and son, Robert David Hayes.
Suggested memorials: University of Nebraska Foundation (designate: Travel Scholarship in honor of son, Robert D. Hayes), Lincoln Public Library Foundation, Westminster Presbyterian Church and the Lincoln Children’s Zoo.
Services will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Thursday, October 2nd, at 11 am.