Hilda May Hays

Danville - Hilda May Hays, of Danville, IL, passed away on October 24, 2026, at Carle Hospital in Urbana, IL. She was born on January 25, 1943, in Danville to Kenneth and Grace (Clee) Gouty. She was married to the love of her life Thomas (Jerry) Hays for 52 years. He preceded her in death on December 10, 2014.

She is survived by three children, Chad (Ruth) Hays, Carla (Dean) Modglin, and Karen (Mike) Ostaffe; eight grandchildren, Leighton (Anna) Peavler, Caleb (Alissa) Peavler, Damon (Riley) Hays, Grace (Josh) Sepic, Evan (Lauren) Modglin, Xander Ostaffe, Michael Ostaffe, and Kate Ostaffe; and five great grandchildren, Greyson, Wesley, Genevieve, Maya and James.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Lionel Gouty.

She grew up in Gessie, Indiana and was a graduate of Perrysville High School.

Hilda was a proud, excellent, trailblazing nurse earning her diploma from Lakeview School of Nursing, Bachelor’s of Nursing from the University of Illinois, and Master’s from Indiana State University, becoming a Nurse Practitioner.

She was on the faculty at Lakeview School of Nursing, worked in several capacities at Lakeview Memorial Hospital, and for many years provided care at the VA Medical Center in Danville. She was a tenacious advocate for Veterans.

Hilda valued education and was particularly pleased that all three of her children (and their spouses) and all eight of her grandchildren earned their college degrees, several with advanced degrees.

Family was the most important aspect of the lives of Hilda and Jerry Hays. The use of their time, talent and treasure to support their children was as remarkable as it was consistent. No sacrifice too large, no detail too small. Ever.

Hilda was extraordinarily proud of her grandchildren, communicated with them perpetually, and bragged on them at every opportunity.

She was wise, thoughtful, funny, kind, principled, an independent thinker, a great friend and neighbor, and a devout Christian.

Most of her adult life was spent raising her family and immersing herself in community activities, and the Church of Christ in Catlin, IL. She loved living in Catlin, where she and her husband built their own home, and treasured her long-time friendships there and in the nursing profession.

A visitation for Hilda Hays will be held on Friday, November 6th, from 5-7 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home, 3940 N. Vermilion St., Danville, IL 61834. A service to celebrate her life will held on Saturday, November 7th, at 10:00 a.m., also at Sunset Funeral Home in Danville. Burial will immediately follow at Oakridge Cemetery in Catlin.

Because of her love of, and dedication to nursing, memorials in her name may be made to Lakeview College of Nursing, or the Nursing Program at Danville Area Community College.

Please join Hilda’s family in sharing memories, photos, and videos of her life through her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.