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Betty Hayes, 87

Mrs. Betty Jane (Burnside) Hayes was recruited to become one of God’s angels at 4:40 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2012, after leaving her physical life of 87 years as a wife, mother, and a dedicated community servant. Born on June 9, 1925, to John and Zelma Burnside of Clarksburg, West Virginia, Betty moved to Portsmouth with her family where she met and married Earl C. Hayes, Jr. in September of 1950. Betty Hayes was instrumental in helping Earl establish his architectural career that spanned 42 years in the Portsmouth and the Lexington, Ky. areas.

During that time, Betty served on many area community and charity boards with two of her biggest passions being a Boy Scout/Girl Scout Den Mother, and working as a volunteer for over 15 years at the SOMC gift shop. Betty loved people and would often send silent and anonymous donations to folks that she found in need. With the passing of her beloved husband, Earl, in August of 1995, Betty is survived by her two children, Steve Hayes of Portsmouth, Ohio, and daughter, Sandra Hayes-Hardin of Charlotte, N.C. Also surviving are Betty’s two grandchildren, Christopher Hardin of Phoenix, Ariz., along with Daniel and Lenore Hardin of Ashville, N.C.

Betty Hayes was always grateful for her many friends, family, acquaintances and loved ones; being apart of the Portsmouth Guild; various bridge clubs; supporting all of the great entertainment at the VRCFA; and emailing jokes to friends on her computer. Betty’s dedication for following news and politics was legendary as she was always in the know of most anything going on either at home or afar. At the time of her passing, one of the important issues in her life was getting her absentee ballot cast for the upcoming election.

Funeral services for Mrs. Betty Jane Hayes will be held at noon, Friday, Oct. 19, 2012, at Second Presbyterian Church with Pastor Stanley Webster officiating. Graveside services will immediately follow in Greenlawn Cemetery where she will once again be re-united with her loving husband, Earl. Visitation took place from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18, 2012, at F.C. Daehler Mortuary Company in Portsmouth, and will also be one hour before the service at the church on Friday.

Because of her intense love of all creatures, big and small, Betty Hayes has requested, that in lieu of flowers, all donations in her memory be made to Sierra’s Haven Animal Shelter, 80 Easter Drive, Portsmouth, Ohio 45662.

The family of Betty Hayes would also like to sincerely thank her loyal caregivers, Linda Charles, Jessica Groves and the entire staff at Southern Ohio Medical Center, and SOMC Hospice for being there above and beyond excellence in Betty’s care, love and treatment.