Ziva Skyler Hays

 Ziva's light filled her hospital room at Abbott Northwestern in Minneapolis on September 11, 2010. She weighed just 3 pounds, 5 1/2 ounces and measured 15 1/2 inches long. Born with spina bifida, Ziva was given very little chance of survival. Doctors did not expect her to reach her first birthday, let alone her 15th. She was only two months away from celebrating her sweet 16. Ziva went on to pass at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Brainerd on July 9th, 2026 due to a seizure from her medical condition that stopped her heart.

Ziva was told she would never walk and would use a wheelchair for the rest of her life, but she continually defied expectations. Starting in younger years she would pull herself into a standing position and sometimes even let go and stand on her own. From ages 3 to 9, she used a walker, and at age 5, she briefly used crutches. Even without them, she crawled her way into places she wasn't supposed to be and had the whole house chasing after her like any other kid. When the walker was no more, and the crawling became harder, her wheelchair became her new way to push limits. And push them she did. Ziva sped down ramps, spun into donuts at the bottom, and occasionally launched off curbs, sometimes ending with the chair flipped over. Then once she got her powerchair, the stakes became much higher as we could no longer keep up with her as she zoomed away.

Ziva and her grandpa Mark Bailey, who's also accompanied by wheelchair, loved to race their wheelchairs down the street with both manual chairs and electric. Ziva then went on to race Russ Fenstermaker, (a long time friend to her father and herself) with her in her wheelchair and him on his Harley.

Some of her greatest joys came with being outdoors. She loved going on walks and could never get enough of them. What would start as a lap around a couple blocks, often turned into another lap -and then another- and then one more if she got lucky. The moment we’d make it back to the house and beg for a break, she’d give us the memorable “Nope, lets go.” and she would not take no as an answer.

Swimming was where she was happiest. Once she got in the water, good luck getting her back out. Even through blue shivering lips she’d tell us she wasn’t ready to come out. She was a mermaid nonetheless and would float for hours, allowing the water to take her wherever it wanted. In this last year Ziva discovered a love for kayaking. And in true Ziva fashion, one outing she managed to flip the kayak over with herself still in it. What was another heart attack for mom, was just a laughable moment for her. In Ziva’s last week she got to swim in the ocean for the first time. Her favorite part was how the salt water made her float easier, although she did not like the salt as it was disgusting when it got in her mouth. Although she didn’t get to stay for long, it had topped any lake that she swam at.

Most importantly when she was outside, she was with her family. Whether we were grilling or just soaking up the sun, she loved being out. Many nights were spent around a fire with that small town vibe accompanied by our neighbors, with her in someone's arms not allowing them to go inside for a pee break. With many different neighbors coming and going over the years, we were blessed to live by the Douglas family and the Machens family as they made the biggest impact on Ziva’s life as neighbors can. There is no amount of paper that could cover the stories and memories we get to hold and love because of these families who were merged into ours.

Surgeries could keep Ziva down for only a short time. As soon as she felt well enough, she was right back at it - determined, adventurous and full of life. Ziva in her own way was small town famous. She radiated love everywhere she went. Her smile was nothing but contagious. People loved her but so did all the animals. Every animal she met was showered with nothing but love (and of course treats). Her favorite thing about the fair was seeing the animals. The goats who chewed on her chair and the horses who’d make funny faces at her. Little lap animals like bunnies or guinea pigs, even the big dogs who’d knock her over and slobber on her face. She loved making people smile, especially babies. Ziva was on her way to become an aunty due September. Even though she was very upset it was gonna be a boy she was ecstatic about helping take care of her nephew. There is no short side as she was called Aunty Ziva by those growing up around her whom she loved deeply. It was her favorite role as she was not old enough to have kids herself. She loved running into past teachers/paras, school staff, and people she knew. And although she wouldn’t always smile during one visit, they knew they could catch one the next time they saw her. And those who had a fit bit or an apple watch were automatically her favorite as she’d hold your arm hostage and play on the device as you still wore it on your wrist.

Last but certainly not least (but last due to cost purposes) Ziva loved to dance. She was in Just For Kix through Crosby for 10 years until she was unable to do more. In younger years she danced in her walker or chair, but in later years she was accompanied by her mom while out on the floor. Mom held her up with a child carrier made by hand to fit Ziva. Although mom felt ridiculous, Ziva loved it very much and was grateful to be a part of a team. Her love and passion for dance stayed with her till the end. And moms sacrifice of her back did not go unnoticed. Ziva got to live her dream of being a dancer just like her two big sisters.

Ziva is survived by her parents Brandy and David Hays; her brother Andy Hays; her sisters Mea and Krista Hays; Grandpa Mark Bailey; Grandma Nancy Carpenter; and many nursing staff and doctors who got to know Ziva very well over the years. Not only did she keep her family on their toes but she made sure the staff was as well. Often

playing tricks on them by pulling off leads or holding her breath so machines would go off.

In death Ziva was welcomed by her grandpa Dwayna Carpenter; her Uncle Markie Bailey; Great-grandparents Brime and Blanche Bailey; and grandpa and grandma Smith

Ziva touched so many hearts but many also touched hers. She held what and who she loved deeply in her heart. She also deeply held the hate for the color yellow and low laying branches during walks- Although every part of her is missed, we deeply miss hearing her favorite line being “Seriously..?” or “Really (name)” said with the tilt of her head and the roll of the eyes. And that very gummy smile she’d beam, and her belief that she controlled the weather, especially during the winter. All snow is Ziva’s fault. She was spunky, gentle, mischievous, stubborn, sassy, and loving in all the best ways. She was completely herself. She was truly a ball of light whose absence leaves a space that can never be filled.

A Celebration of Ziva’s Life will be held Friday, September 11th, 2026 at the 40 Club Convention Center, Aitkin from 3 PM – 8 PM.  To leave a message of condolence, please visit: www.srtfuneral.com.  Arrangements are with Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Aitkin.

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