Nieta Vera Hayes, 98, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2014, at the home of her daughter, Karen, in Johnstown, Colorado where she happily spent her last two years.
Nieta was born to William and Lydia Kindschuh on April 4, 1915, in Byron Township. On April 15, 1936, she married Marvin Hayes and they settled on the family dairy farm. Marvin and Nieta worked the farm hand in hand. Their love flowed into their family and we all learned to work together with respect. Even after Marvin’s death she continued to help her son and grandson with the farm work. She always had a large garden, loved to read, do needlework and was a great cook. Everyone admired her beautiful flower gardens and houseplants. She was active in her church, local Grange and Homemakers groups.
Nieta is survived by her daughters, Karen Vander Velde (Allen) Johnstown, CO, Janet Ehrhardt (Bob) Payson, AZ, and daughter-in-law, Merlene Hayes; two sisters, Evelyn Sprecher, Doris Koenig and a brother, Bill Kindschuh(Marta). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Paula Kruger(Todd), Krista Sperger(John), Jeff Hayes, Karla Stumpf(John), Lisa Blanckaert(Terry) , Becky Green(Todd), Greg Luedtke(Gina) and Tim Ehrhardt; 9 great-grandchildren and a great-great-granddaughter,many nieces, nephews, cousins and her faithful white cat, Pearl.
In addition to her parents, Nieta was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin; a son, Howard; a son-in-law, Randall Luedtke and a sister, Lois O’Rourke.
Nieta was a feisty lady who was never afraid of hard work. She loved her family, farm, friends and pets. We will miss her great spirit, wonderful sense of humor and gentle heart.
Services were at Trinity United Methodist Church in Lomira at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 10. Rev. Kerry Wilson officiated and burial of her cremains were in Ebenezer Cemetery in the town of Lomira.
Nieta's family greeted relatives and friends at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.
Memorial gifts may be made to Trinity UMC.
The Kietzer-Miller Funeral Home in Lomira assisted the Hayes family.