Nettie Sue Hays

Nettie Sue Backus Meyer Hays, age 86, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of family, hard work, and creativity. She was born on November 25, 1939, in Corpus Christi, Texas, to Arthur Burgoyne Backus and Anna Marie Flahie Backus.

Sue spent her early childhood in Corpus Christi before moving to Nebraska, where she met the love of her life, William “Bill” Rush Meyer. The couple was united in marriage in January of 1955 in Kimball, Nebraska. To this union, five children were born: Ronald William, Kimarie Duree, David Lynn, Ted Andrew,, and Dan Reed.

During their early years together, Bill worked in the oilfield while Sue devoted herself to raising their family. It was during this time she received her first sewing machine—beginning a lifelong passion that would bless generations to come. She lovingly sewed clothing for her children, often creating matching outfits, especially for her boys.

The family later moved to the Meyer family farm near Clearlake, just west of Laverne, Oklahoma, where they worked alongside Bill’s parents. On the farm, they raised milking goats, cattle and various crops, and Bill built Sue her first and only long-arm quilting machine—a treasured tool she continued to use throughout her life.

Following Bill’s passing in 1976, Sue remained on the farm with her sons, David, Ted, and Dan. Together, they continued the daily work, with the boys rising early before school to move irrigation pipe and milk goats before catching the bus. After David’s graduation, Sue moved with her younger boys into Laverne to be closer to school.

In Laverne, Sue worked as a janitor at the school and held several part-time jobs. She became a certified EMT and dedicated many years as a volunteer with the Laverne Ambulance Service. She also worked at the Laverne City Office, serving as a dispatcher for the Laverne Police Department, working many night shifts in service to her community.

In the early 1980s, Sue met the second love of her life, J.T. Hays. They were married in June of 1983. Together, they enjoyed raising Angus cattle and building a life centered around family and shared purpose.

Sue’s love of sewing remained constant throughout her life. With each new granddaughter came beautifully handmade dresses, pinafores, and treasured quilts. If you knew Sue, you likely shared a conversation about fabric, patterns, or sewing—and many were fortunate enough to receive one of the more than 200 quilts she lovingly created and gifted. Her greatest joy was teaching her granddaughters and others the art of sewing.

Sue also shared her passion through business. She co-owned “TigerTees,” a t-shirt and fabric shop, with her daughter-in-law, Kathy. For the past 15 years, she owned and operated her quilt shop in downtown Laverne, where she taught classes, offered guidance, and, as she often said, simply enjoyed the opportunity to “play.”

In addition to her many talents, Sue was a gifted writer who enjoyed poetry and storytelling. Her short story, “The Best Christmas Yet,” was published in the Penny Saver in 2001.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, William “Bill” Meyer and J.T. Hays; her parents, Arthur and Anna Marie Backus; her son, Dan Reed Meyer; and her brother, Arthur Backus.

Sue is survived by her children: Ron Meyer of Laverne; Kim Golightly and husband Kirk of Clearlake; David Meyer and wife Tonya of Kingsland, Georgia; Ted Meyer and wife Lea Ann of Leedey; Kathy Curtis and husband Van of Laverne; Denise Null and husband Tony of Rosston; and Tommy Hays and wife Megan of Elgin, Texas. She is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and many dear friends.

Sue will be remembered for her unwavering dedication to her family, her servant’s heart, her creative spirit, and the countless lives she touched through her kindness, her teaching, and the quilts she so lovingly made.

Memorials may be made to the Laverne Ambulance Service, Laverne, Oklahoma.

Viewing will be Thursday, March 19, 2026 from 4 to 6 PM at Alan Clark Funeral Services.