Carolyn Joyce Hays passed away May 30, 2012 at her home in Temecula, California, surrounded by her family after a battle with cancer. Graveside Services will be held at Riverside National Cemetery on June 15th at 9:45 am.

“Joyce” as she was known to all her family and friends was born to Michael F. and Bedonna Whelan on January 16th, 1931, the second of eight children, in Fullerton, Nebraska. She was a 1949 graduate of Fullerton High School where she participated as a majorette and played piano. She married Willis Donald Chesley April 10, 1950 and is survived by their four children, Carolyn Embrey, Cynthia Phillips, Donald Chesley and Colleen McGovern. She is also survived by two sisters and two brothers.

Margaret Pitt, Bette Warren, Donald Whelan and Francis “Butch” Whelan and nine grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

Joyce was married to John Hays September 21, 1980 and was preceded in death by him.

During her life she worked as a seamstress while raising her children and was the first woman manager of a large chain shoe store where she met her second husband. After retirement she became an avid quilter and loved to help others learn including children. She was always making gifts. She will be missed greatly by her friends and family.

Memorial donations can be sent to the Fullerton High School Foundation Music Department in Fullerton, Nebraska 68638 or Hospice of the Valleys at Hospice of the Valleys.org.

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