Margaret Hayes Nelson, 85, died at the White Oak Nursing Center on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2011.

Born in Lincoln, Neb., she was the daughter of Frank and Edith Hayes. She and her husband, Paul, lived in Kansas, Michigan and Florida before moving to Tryon in 2003. She was a graduate of the University of Nebraska and holds a graduate degree from Michigan State University. She was a middle school teacher, retiring from the Adrian, Mich., school system in 1985. She was a 25-year member of the Punta Gorda, Fla., womens club, serving as its president in 1993. She was also active in many other organizations throughout her working and retirement years. She was a member of the Congregational Church in Tryon. She and Paul were married for 64 years.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by two sons, Bruce Nelson (Teri) and Mark Nelson (Sandy), and a daughter, Janet Mapes (Douglas). She is also survived by a sister, Marilyn Ellerbeck (Lloyd), seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at a later date at the Congregational Church, Tryon.

Graveside services will be held in Wyuka Cemetery, Lincoln, Neb., under the direction of Wyuka Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, 130 Forest Glen Drive, Columbus, N.C. 28722; or to the Congregational Church, 210 Melrose Ave. Tryon, N.C. 28782.

An online guest register is available at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com.

McFarland Funeral Chapel, Tryon.