Nancee Ann Hays

Nancee Ann Hays, 83, of Cantrall, passed away at 12:17 p.m. on Thursday, June 8, 2017 at Memorial Medical Center. Nancee was born on June 15, 1933 in Sparta, the daughter of Fred and Mona Bergfeld. After Freds passing, Mona later married Alvin Schott, Nancees step-father. Nancee met Robert J. Hays at Springfield Southern Baptist Church and married him on June 29, 1957, sharing 57 wonderful years together; he preceded her in death in 2014. Nancee graduated from Trico Consolidated High School in Ava, and was Valedictorian of her class. She attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale earning a Bachelor of Science degree. She had a long teaching career at four schools in Springfield, including John Palmer Elementary School, Hazel Dell Elementary School, Laketown Elementary School, and then retired from Susan B. Wilcox Elementary School. Nancee played the piano for New Life Baptist Church of Athens and also for Springfield Southern Baptist Church. She enjoyed gardening, baking, painting, sewing, and vacation bible school. Nancee also dedicated her life to raising her family, especially her grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her parents; her step-father, Alvin Schott; and brothers, Glenn Brandhost, Wayne Bruce "Doodle" Bergfeld, Everette George "Jake" Bergfeld, and Oren James "Jimmie" Bergfeld. She is survived by her son, Terry (wife, Susan) Hays of Lake Forest, CA; one grandson, Tim (wife, Kris) Hays of Cantrall; two great-grandchildren, Brittany and Bethany Hays; and several nieces and nephews. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 15, 2017 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Funeral Ceremony: 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 16, 2017 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home with Pastor Milton Crain officiating. Burial will follow at West Cemetery in Thayer. Memorial contributions may be made to New Life Baptist Church, 207 West St., Athens, IL 62613 or The National Parkinson's Foundation, Gift Processing Center, P.O. Box 5018, Hagerstown, MD 21741. www.parkinson.org