Theresa Doreen (Koonce) Hayes, 62, of Gardner, KS passed away Oct. 25, 2018 surrounded by her husband and daughters. Visitation will be held 1:00 to 2:30 pm Wed., Oct. 31, 2018 at Bruce Funeral Home, Gardner, KS (913) 856-7111. Visitation 10:30 am followed by funeral service 11:30 am Thur., Nov. 1, 2018 at Christ Community Church, 20600 W. 119th St., Olathe, KS. Burial follows service at 2:30 pm at Gardner Cemetery, Gardner, KS. Memorial contributions may be made to Christ Community Church with Woodland Elementary in memo line. Condolences may be left at www.brucefuneralhome.com

Theresa Doreen Koonce was born August 27, 1956 to Alpha and John Koonce. She was raised in Oklahoma City and graduated from Capitol Hill High school where she had met and married the love of her life Gary Hayes. They had two daughters together Ashly Cooley of Gardner, KS and Lindsey Clements of Omaha, NE.

Theresa enjoyed working in administration at high schools in Harrisonville, De Soto, Lawrence, Lincoln and ended her career at Gardner Edgerton High School. She touched the lives of many students and staff wherever she went. She loved and supported so many of the students and kept treats and special coffees at her desk for her many visitors. She was known to jump in with financial support when she came across a child in need.

Theresa was an avid and accomplished master gardener. In the spring and summer, you could always find her outside tending to her plants. She had the heart of a nurturer. Plants, animals and people thrived in the presence of her loving spirit. Theresa always planted and left behind seeds of kindness wherever she went. She always had a smile and a light in her spirit that people could feel. We know these seeds of kindness will continue to flourish like wildflowers and come back year after year.

Theresa enjoyed many adventures with her husband Gary including trips to Jamaica, Bermuda, Mexico, Canada, Hawaii, Nevada, Florida, California and a final European river cruise to celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary. While she enjoyed traveling her favorite place to be was home with her family and her pets. Her favorite roles were wife, mother and Nanna and she served all those roles masterfully developing special bonds with each family member.

She was preceded in death by her Mom Alpha Koonce, her older brothers Steve and Stan. Theresa is survived by her dad, John Koonce; husband, Gary; daughters and son-in laws, Ashly and Wayne Cooley (Gardner, KS), Lindsey and Tom Clements (Omaha, NE); grandkids: Collin, Mary, Piper, Brooklyn and many other extended family.