Julia "Judy" Mae Hays

Julia Mae (Judy) McDonnell Hays was born in Ft. Worth, Texas, October 30, 1924. Judy was the adopted daughter of Tommy and Mamie McDonnell. She was a native of Scurry County growing up 10 miles North West of Snyder near Deep Creek.

Growing up as an only child, Judy never lacked attention by her parents or her adopted Grandfather, J. Wright Mooar, who would ride stick horses with her on the porch of his home built near the sight of his famous white buffalo kill in 1876. Judy, at 12 years of age also rode proudly alongside her Grandfather in the Centennial parade in Snyder, Judy and her Mother lived in town during the months school was in session. Needless to say she looked forward to the weekends when they could return to the ranch and wide open spaces she loved.

After graduating from Snyder High School Judy attended Hardin Simmons College becoming a member of the Six White Horses Parade unit which is still a tradition.

She was an original founder of the Girls Rodeo Association serving as Vice President, and was one of the 1952 champions of the national girls rodeo association who competed in the first all-girl professional rodeo in Snyder in May 1953.

Judy married S.D. Hays on December 12, 1942 in Snyder Texas. With their combined love of ranching and working side by side they acquired ranches in Snyder and Dickens Texas and Grenville, New Mexico.

Judy, one of the first members of the AQHA, American Quarter Horse Association, was a professional horsewoman, becoming one of the first women to successfully show top halter horses, and was internationally know for a breeder of Quarter Horses. Many Grand Champions came out of Judy's barn.

Her love of horses brought home innumerable trophies and awards fill her home and show barn.

Judy was involved in several Quarter Horse Associations and served as President of the West Texas Quarter Horse Association from 1972 - 1973.

Judy was a member of Union United Methodist Church. She is preceded in death by the Grandfather she adored, county pioneer, J. Wright Mooar, her adopted parents Tommy and Mamie McDonald, her husband of 61 years, S.D. Hays, and granddaughter Shanna Hays.

Survivors include a son and daughter - in - law, Randy and Jessie Jo Hays of Snyder, a grandson and his wife, Shawn and Tammy Hays of Nocona, Texas, two great grandsons, Bryce Hays and Hunter Hays of Nocona, Texas, and many nieces and nephews.

A private graveside service for Mrs. Hays will be held at Hays Ranch Cemetery with Reverand Danny Williams officiating.

Services are under the direction of Bell Cypert Seale Funeral Home.

No visitation is planned

Online Condolences may be posted at www.bellcypertseale.com