Heidi Adelheid Hays

“Heidi” Adelheid Erna (Heise) Hays, passed away in Bozeman, MT on November 20, 2024. She was born to Emil and Frieda Heise in Ellermuhl, Germany on June 17, 1944.

As a child, Heidi immigrated with her parents to the US and grew up in Oklahoma City. She studied music at UMKC and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in music education. Her performance instrument was the accordion. While in college she met her husband Granvil Lee Hays, and they were married in Oklahoma City on August 8, 1964. Granvil was drafted into the US Army, and Heidi was a military spouse for his entire career. As a military spouse, she resided all over the US and in Germany. She loved to travel and try new cuisines. While in Frankfurt, Germany she sang with the Frankfurt Germany American Choir and performed in “The Singing Christmas Tree”. In addition to her family, she loved music and cooking.

Heidi is preceded in death by her husband, Granvil and a sister Traute Heise. She is survived by her two children, Brandon Hays and Larissa Hautekeete, five grandchildren and her two brothers, Otto Heise and Arno Heise.

A burial service will be held at a later date in Tonkawa, OK.

Memorials are suggested to the Heidi Hays Music Therapy Scholarship at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.