Lou (Hayes) Solie

Tommie Lou (Hayes) Solie was born March 2, 1947, in Auburn, Nebraska to Thomas Henry and Delphine (Keller) Hayes. One of five children in her family, Lou attended school in Blair, Brownville, and Nemaha public schools, graduating from Nemaha High School. She continued her education at Peru State College, earning a Business Administration degree.

On December 30, 1972, Lou married John Bruce Solie at the Peru Community Church in Peru, Nebraska. Their first home was on a farm in Nemaha County before moving to Lincoln, Nebraska, and then Stillwater, Oklahoma. The couple was blessed with two daughters, Amanda and Deborah.

While living in Stillwater, Lou participated in various community activities. She was a member of the First Baptist Church, taught Sunday School, and volunteered with Meals on Wheels in Stillwater and when she was in Lincoln. Also, she was a Brownie leader and PTA member to be more involved with daughters as they grew. In addition, she worked at Oklahoma State University performing graduation checks for the College of Agriculture.

Lou and John moved to Brownville in 2013, where they were active in the Brownville Christian Church. Lou was a member of Eastern Star and the Arbor Day Foundation among other community groups. Throughout her life she enjoyed gardening, embroidery, birdwatching, and travelling.

After being diagnosed with cancer, Lou received treatment for the disease and tried to live her life the best way that she could. She was admitted to Bryan East Medical Center in Lincoln, Nebraska, where she passed away on Friday, May 23, 2025, at the age of 78 years, 2 months, and 21 days. Her husband John, parents Tom and Delphine, parents-in-law Bruce and Mary Solie, sister and brother-in-law Phyllis and Edwin Myers, and brother-in-law Larry Warrick preceded her in death.

Lou is remembered with love by her daughters and son-in-law Amanda and Caleb Stone of Chandler, OK, and Deborah Solie of Brownville; grandsons Seth, Jared, and Ethan Stone; sisters and brother-in-law Sherry Warrick of Omaha and Kay and Paul Fish of Brownville; brother and sister-in-law Martin and Allison Hayes of Brownville; sisters-in-law Susan (Rick) Wachtler of The Woodlands, TX and Nancy Solie (Paul Logue) of Jefferson, GA; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

A graveside memorial service and committal of ashes will be held on Thursday, June 5, 10:00 a.m. at Walnut Grove Cemetery at Brownville.

Memorials are suggested to Nemaha County Giving Hope Cancer Fund, American Cancer Society, or a local charity of the donor’s choice.