Roland "Rollie" D. Crays

Roland David Crays, age 87, of Tobias, Nebraska passed away Sunday, November 16, 2025 at his residence surrounded by family members and his beloved four-legged furry companion, Bear. Rollie was born February 4, 1938 in Tobias, a son of the late Donald and Anna (Herynk) Crays.

Rollie attended Atlanta Center Country School through 8th grade and graduated from Tobias High School in 1950 where he played basketball and became involved in 4-H showing cattle. His love of sports and animals continued throughout the rest of his life.

After a couple years serving in the army, Rollie returned home to help around the family farm. His love for cattle led to opportunities in raising and breeding champion Polled Hereford cattle. As a showman, Rollie collected numerous trophies, grand prize and first place ribbons. Rollie was a member of the Polled Hereford Association. In the mid 80’s Rollie began working at Kassik Mills, which he continued to retirement.

In 1979 Rollie married the love of his life, Norma Crays. Through his love, patience, and kindness, he took on Norma’s family as his own. His unwavering love is a testament to those who knew him.

Rollie was preceded in death his wife of 40 years, Norma Crays, sons Alvin Starkey and Samuel Starkey, daughters Maggie Graham, Pamela Lauritzen, and Mary Eaton, granddaughter Sandi Ziemann; brother Don Roger Crays, sister-in-law Jean Crays, and brother-in-law Leo Etter.

Rollie is survived by grandchildren Pebbles (Ellen) Forster, Candie (Vern) Huddleston, Charlie (Crystal) Graham, Faith (Jay) Freshour, Heather (Enoch) Hudson, Travis Starkey, Kimberly Starkey, Brenda Thomas, and Brandon (Jessica) Snavely; great grandchildren Allison Graham, Sage Brown, Kyle Huddleston, Tyler Dean Huddleston, Alexandria Huddleston, Carter Huddleston, Malachi Creach, Corbin Walker, Dallas Buss, Rhys Starkey, Noah Williams, Zoe Huber, Riley Thomas, Sam Bidwell, Sherry Hudson, Aalyiah Freshour, Meadow Freshour, River Freshour, Jordyn Hargis-Forster, Zayden Coe, Jazaiah Workman, Jazlyn Coe; several great great grandchildren; siblings Berry Crays, and twin sisters Sharon (Jerry) Kroese and Karen Etter; numerous nieces, nephews.

Graveside services will be conducted Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 11:30 AM at the Atlanta Cemetery in rural Tobias, Nebraska, followed by a luncheon at the Tobias Fire Hall, downtown Tobias, Nebraska.