Arlene Mae Schlyer, 86, Hays, died Friday, July 31, 2026 at Via Christi Village.
She was born July 3, 1940 in LaCrosse, the daughter of Henry and Esther (Herrman) Schafer. On March 5, 1957, Arlene was united in marriage to James McNeill in LaCrosse, and they were blessed with two children, Kathleen and Daniel. Arlene and James celebrated 15 years of marriage before he preceded her in death on June 4, 1972. On August 9, 1978, she was united in marriage to Jay Schlyer, in Las Vegas, and they celebrated 17 years of marriage before he preceded her in death on September 12, 1995.
Arlene was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and the Hays VFW Auxiliary. Throughout her life, she cared for others while working at Hadley Hospital as a certified nursing assistant and ward clerk, at Thomas More Prep-Marian High School as an assistant cook, and as a Senior Companion.
Survivors include her son Daniel McNeill (Corrine) of Victoria, her daughter Kathleen Morton (Jim) of WaKeeney, two stepsons Brad and Benjy Schlyer, both of Topeka, a stepdaughter Amy Schlyer of Topeka, a brother Ronald Schafer of Central City, NE, three sisters Diana Schaffer of Hays, Sandra Herrman of Liberty, MO, and Donata Logan (Mark) of LaCrosse, her grandchildren Janae Morton, Derrick Morton, Devin McNeill (April) and Dustin McNeill (Tami), step grandchildren Tana Griffith and Tierney Gillis, great grandchildren Kendra, Alexis, and Ember, and step great grandchildren Cora, Stella, Jaylene, Wesley, and Ellis.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands James and Jay, a stepson Dan Schlyer, a stepdaughter Chris Hayden, and a brother Donald Schafer.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Thursday, August 6, 2026 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church with Fr. Nick Parker and Fr. Luke Friess officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 7:00 on Wednesday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Thursday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. A Rosary will be at 6:00 pm followed by a vigil service at 6:30, both on Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Senior Companion Program or to HaysMed Hospice. Condolences and memories of Arlene may be shared with her family at www.haysmemorial.com