Ashton — Verlyn L. Hays, 74, passed away peacefully at home in the care of his family on Tuesday, March 19, 2019. He was born Aug. 26, 1944 in Rochelle, the son of Verl and Marjorie (Arends) Hays. He married Judy R. Friday on Dec. 31, 1965. 

Verlyn served in the United States Army from 1962-1965. He was employed as an ironworker. In his early years, he enjoyed fishing and traveling. Later in life, he took up woodworking. Verlyn was a member of the Ashton Bible Church. He was always the first to be there to help others. He was an honorary member of the Ashton Huddle Roundtable. 

Verlyn is survived by his three children, Lauri Hays and Michelle Hays Glosser of Rochelle, and Randy Hays of Oregon; and three grandchildren, Kali Smith, Garrett Glosser and Ethan Hays. 

Verlyn is preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Judy R. Hays; his parents, Verl and Marjorie Hays; and a sister, Sharon Clark. 

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, March 21 at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. Sixth St. in Rochelle. 

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 22 at the Ashton Bible Church, 702 Main St. in Ashton, with Pastor Farrel Stauffer officiating. Interment will follow in Trinity Memory Gardens in Rochelle. A memorial has been established. 

Please visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.