Hayes humble about generosity

RANGELY I “She was a wonderful neighbor and is a wonderful person,” Hazel Edwards said of Loyann Hayes. They were neighbors in Rangely and raised their children together. “She is just the kindest person alive, and was so good to my kids.” Loyann’s kindness seems to be common knowledge in Rangely and the surrounding area.
Loyann has always been involved with the Giving Tree program and the Hayes family is a tremendous supporter of the Rangely schools and athletic programs. They have donated toward the school’s 60th anniversary, athletic uniforms and given countless dollars quietly to individuals for travel and food expenses while participating in extracurricular activities. Loyann is very humble about her generosity but the impact she has made is anything but modest. Perhaps her greatest gift has been her time. She has visited, checked on and helped look after so many children, adults, and elderly.
Loyann Bowman moved to Rangely while in high school and was graduated in 1955. She married Gerald “Jerry” Hayes on May 22, 1955. Jerry worked for Chevron, then started his own business with his dad, Twin Arrow Drilling. Loyann stayed home with the first of their three children, Beckey (Hume), born in 1956. Mike Hayes was born in 1959 and Beth (Gibbon) in 1960. Loyann went to work for B.C. Well Service for several years before working for Bernard Yaeger with the Rangely Times in the 1960s. She also opened and operated the Montgomery Ward store along with the Twin Arrow Motor Lodge,. Around 1970, the Ward’s store moved into what is now the Ducey’s Electric building. After Twin Arrow Drilling was sold to Suburban Oil and Gas, the Hayes family started Hayes Petroleum and Rio Mesa Resources. Jerry and his dad Ralph were joined by third generation partner Mike Hayes following his graduation from college. The business has been in operation since then and the generosity and kindness of Loyann and Jerry has clearly been passed down along with the business.
Jerry Hayes was an elder at the Rangely Christian Church, was on the county planning commission, was a member of Petroleum Engineers, Rangely Town Council and helped in planning city hall. He was involved in Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, and was a member on the Rangely Museum Board. He was also involved in the Radino Senior Center. He donated land for the church they attended and stayed very involved in the building of the church.
Loyann has been a member of the local Epsilon Chi Sorority, the Order of the Eastern Star, (where she served as worthy matron twice), a member of the Rangely Museum board as well as the Radino Senior Center. She has been an active member of the Rangely Christian Church and has been involved in many other philanthropic activities.
Through Jerry and Loyann’s 55 years of marriage they added so much to the town of Rangely. They were and are highly respected in the community. In fact, when asked who truly made a difference in the community, Peggy Rector said without hesitation “Loyann Hayes.”
Daughter Beckey Hume said, “My parents were both very proud to be Rangely residents! This was home and they took pride in caring for their family and always had a big heart for others. Mom continues to have a strong faith that has helped carry us through some tough times. She is a wonderful mother and woman that I am very proud of. I love you, Mom!” Bill Turner expressed sincere appreciation for Loyann as well, stating, “She is a remarkable lady.”
Loyann enjoys her winter months in Mesa, Ariz., with her mother-in-law Grace Hayes, 95, and her brother-in-law Stan Hayes. She returns to Rangely when the weather warms. It may actually be that she warms the town, as opposed to the temperatures.
Rangely is very fortunate to have been the recipient of years of kindness and giving from Loyann Hayes. All who know her realize she is beautiful inside and out. As a junior in high school she was named the “beauty queen of RHS,” by Hollywood actor Jimmy Stewart. What a blessing to have someone like Loyann as a resident of Rangely and Rio Blanco County.
Loyann’s example of neighborly caring helped make Rangely “a great place to raise kids.” “Where everyone knew everyone and cared about each other.”