Mary Alice Mays, 83, was born in Sheridan, Wyoming on April 18, 1930 to Elmer and Alice Aspaas. She attended school in Sheridan and graduated from Sheridan High School in 1948. She then attended the University of Wyoming and graduated in 1952 with a degree in Education. During her time in Laramie, she became an avid fan of the Wyoming Cowboys and remained so all her life. Mary attended Gaulladet College in Washington D.C. in 1959 and received a Master's Degree in Deaf Education. She was proud of the fact her diploma was signed by president Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Mary was hired in 1962 by Velma Linford to teach at the Wyoming School for the Deaf in Casper. She loved teaching and loved her students even more. She retired from teaching in 1990 after 28 years of service.

Mary married John Mays, May 10, 1969 in Casper.

She was a member of the United First Methodist Church of Casper.

Mary passed away Tuesday, May 14, 2013, at the Central Wyoming Hospice surrounded by family.

Mary is survived by Nicole Ellis of Buffalo, Suzanne and Bob Leathers of Casper, and Jayne and Rob Millum of Buffalo along with five grand nieces and nephews and five great-grand nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, parents and two sisters.

Newcomer Funeral Home, Casper - May 18, 2013.