Mary J. Royal

 Mary Jane (Hayman) Royal, 88, of Emerson, NE passed away on Monday, November 21, 2022, at Heritage of Emerson.  The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 26, 2022, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Emerson; with Pastor Charlotte Eversoll officiating.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral at the church.  The burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery in Emerson.  Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation.  Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Emerson.

Mary was born on July 13, 1934, in Danville, IL to Lowell and Ruby (Martin) Hayman.  Mary grew up on a farm near Newton, IN.  She graduated from Richland Township High School in April 1952, and on September 11, 1952, married Gerald “Jerry” Royal.  For the first 10 years of their married life, Mary and Gerald lived in Attica and Rob Roy, IN.  While living in Rob Roy, they grew tobacco and corn on their farm acreage.

In 1962, Mary started a career of being a supportive military wife.  She lived in many states and in Germany.  As a military officer’s wife, she developed a love of traveling, volunteering for various officer wives’ organizations, playing golf, and bowling.  After Gerald's retirement from the Army in 1981, the couple made their home in Emerson, Nebraska. 

In 1982, Mary helped Gerald manage the Wakefield Golf Course until 1995.  After this retirement, the couple traveled the world and wintered in Texas.  Mary also worked at the Warren Oil C-Store and volunteered at the New-To-You Store for many years.  Mary was a member of St. Paul’s Church for 40 years and a 38-year member of Post 60 Auxiliary.  Throughout her life, she loved watching and attending sports events.  She really enjoyed watching grandchildren's and great-grandchildren’s activities. 

Mary is survived by her children, Connie (Rob) Albrecht of Emerson, John (Keli) Royal of Clarinda, IA, Debra Royal of Lincoln, NE; seven grandchildren; one step-grandchild; eight great-grandchildren; and one step-great-grandchild.  She is also survived by her brothers, Art (Joy) Hayman, Jim (Connie) Hayman, both of Lafayette, IN.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald; parents; older sister, Lola May Simmerman, twin sister Martha Kelley; brother, Donald Hayman.