02/24/2026
Sandra Kay Hays
Our little bestie has made her way into Eternity.
Sandra Kay Hays, 91 of Clovis made the ultimate graduation on February 22, 2026, with loved ones at her side
Sandra was born December 8, 1934 in Lawrenceville, Illinois, one of four children born to Robert and Ethyl (Bruner) Emmons. Sandra and her brothers, Bob, Mike, and Jeff grew up together in small towns across Illinois, because, as a teacher and coach, her father was always on the lookout for more lucrative contracts. When she was in first grade, the family lived on a farm just north of Lawrenceville, and she had fond memories of living there with chickens and a dog named Rex. During that time, she and her older brother Bobby attended Blackburn School, a 2-room school house. She remembered being worried that she wouldn't learn to read, and was relieved that she learned quickly. That year, she contracted infantile paralysis, also known as polio. She tried to get up, but kept falling down because it felt like her foot was asleep. She laughed and limped around to show her parents. They were terrified by her performance, and rushed her to the hospital. She spent the next 6 months in quarantine in her upstairs bedroom with a cast from her ankle to her hip. She was supposed to stay in bed, but continued to get up and play in her room while her mother took care of her younger brothers.
Sandra always felt that her moving around was almost like physical therapy and it may have helped her recover. Always resilient and positive, Sandra returned to school after her recovery and was well liked and popular, with a great sense of humor.
When Sandra was in High School, she worked at the pharmacy and drug store in Chrisman, Illinois. She loved working there and thought that would be her career in life. She loved filling prescriptions and arranging the shelves of the tiny pharmacy and making the sodas. On hearing her intentions, her father taught her about budgeting and living expenses, encouraging her to continue her education to be able to support herself in the future. She decided to major in special education, which was a fairly new field at the time.
In 1955, after her second year at Illinois State University, Sandy got a summer job working at Flagg Ranch, a dude ranch at Grand Teton National Park. There, she met "Motorcycle Bob" Peters, and was smitten. Her fate was sealed when he looked at her with his dreamy blue eyes and asked her to "pass the spuds." Their rapid romance and marriage eventually blessed them with 5 children: Polly, Penny, Patty, Robert, and Paige.
Bob's military service sent the family throughout the United States, eventually landing them in Clovis. Sandy was always an active member of each community, making many lifelong friends. She stayed in contact with several friends right up until the end of her life. She was a fun and loving friend, and full of joy and laughter.
After moving to Clovis, Sandra's life changed yet again. Becoming newly single, and having a little more time, she continued her education at Eastern New Mexico University. She graduated with a masters degree in education with an emphasis in communicative disorders. She was a special education teacher in the Clovis School system for decades, though you wouldn't know it by looking at her! She always looked younger in appearance as well as being young at heart.
After 13 years of single life, fate intervened yet again when she met John Hays Jr., and her life became even more interesting (if you knew John, you understand why)! After their first date, John and Sandy quickly became inseparable, marrying after only 3 months. They traveled all over the country and had great fun. They truly enjoyed a happy life together and shared it with their kids, grandkids, great grandkids, and great-great grandkids.
In addition to activities such as traveling, swimming and visiting family, friends, children and grandchildren, Sandra's hobbies included country-western (or any) dancing, singing, reading, and participating in DAR activities. In addition, she enjoyed researching genealogy, touring museums, and spent several years playing French Horn in the Clovis Community Band, among many other interesting things. Sandra always had an inquisitive mind and kept it very sharp.
She was smart, strong, resilient, joyful, positive, loving, happy, adventurous, humorous, witty, and creative. She had a strong spirit and determination that helped her overcome many obstacles in life.
Sandra was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Ethel Emmons, her loving husband John Hays, former husband Robert Peters, siblings Bob Emmons, Mike Emmons, and Jeff Emmons, sister in-law Peg Emmons, son in-law Mac Dean, grandson Marco Valle, her stepchildren Dinah Hays and Marc Hays, Niece Mayerlin Emmons, and nephews Scott Hays, Tim Emmons, and Mark Bradford, and great-nephew Jade Emmons.
Survivors include children, Polly Dendy of Albuquerque, Penny Huerta (Joseph) of Cedar Park, Tx, Patty Neff of Clovis, Robert Peters (Maria) of Douglass, Az and Paige Wheeler (Mike) of Parnell, Tx. Grandchildren Danae Huerta (Johnny Olivas), Jasmine Lejeune (Marc Bailey), Melissa Roberts (Aaron), Tasha Vice (James) Nathan Huerta (Meghin) Holly Beard (Wade), Zena Barnett (Jesse), Zeke Wheeler, Stephanie Neff (Kristi) Stewart Neff (Angela), Cade Wheeler (Kenzie) and Boone Wheeler (Adyson) Ruben Valle (Neveah), Manuel Valle (Destyn'ee). Great Grandchildren, Isaiah, Marc, Aubryana, Max, Makenzie, Kayson, Jude, Lucy, Charlie,Tamara, Mikayla, Alden, Elyse, Peyton, Anna, Joel, Atticus, Emrys, Nick, Hayden, Grady, Chance, Bentley, Beau, Cru, Keeli, Urban, and New Baby Girl coming soon! Great-Great Grandchildren, Lilly, Kain, Delilah, and Malcolm.
Sandy is also survived by her brother-in-law and sister in-law, Bill and Rossanna Hays, and many nieces and nephews who were very special to her. Tasha and David Young, Reichen and Latham. Amy Bradford and Colin. Devon Emmons, Danielle and Mariana. Carson and Gabby Emmons, Tierney, Avery, Coco, and Dashell. Scott and Terri Emmons, Charlie and Claire. Brent and Shawnie Emmons, Denali, Muir, and Lyric. Gregory and Despina Hays, Melina and Sophia and Devon Hays
Sandra also had many friends who were very special and whose lives she brightened with her sparkling and witty personality. She loved her friends and they loved her, so there are many people we may have failed to mention. Please know how important in her life you were, and how much she cared for all of you.
Our special thanks to the wonderful people who cared for our sweet mom Sandra in her final days. She was truly blessed by your loving care and kindness and understanding.
Please feel free to share any favorite memories of Sandra, there are note cards provided on the memory table.
View Sandra Kay Hays's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.
