Betty R. Hayes

Betty R. Hayes, 90, of Hanover, entered into God’s eternal care on Tuesday, December 15, 2015 at Homewood at Plum Creek.

Born on Wednesday, February 4, 1925 in Ford City, PA, she was the daughter of the late Ernest E. and Ruth Mongavin Redfern. She was also preceded in death by her husband of nearly 63 years, Captain Robert S. Hayes, US Navy, Retired, who died in 2009; and a grandson, Andrew S. Hayes.

Betty was a 1942 graduate of New Kensington (PA) High School and, in 1946, received her Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics from the former Beaver College, where she served as the Senior Class President. She was married to Bob after he returned from WWII and became a Navy wife for 30 years living up and down the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. Her beauty, poise and sense of style made her the perfect Naval Captain’s wife. They finally retired in Washington, D.C., where she was able to travel to Egypt and Greece and began her second career as a tour guide and docent at a number of national museums including the National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian. The ten years she spent at the Smithsonian was one of her greatest joys as it deepened her long standing interest in astronomy.

Survivors include two sons, Ronald R. Hayes and his wife, Melinda Bryden, of Port Townsend, WA, and Stephen B. Hayes and his wife, Mary, of Westminster, MD; a daughter, Elizabeth Hayes of Overland Park, KS; five grandchildren, Brett D. Hayes, Carolyn Hayes Mahrer, Christopher Hayes, K. Paul Stolecki and Michael Hayes; and six great-grandchildren, Bryce and Noah Hayes, James and Sam Mahrer, and Peyton and Carter Hayes.

A memorial service will be held at a later date at the Naval Academy where Betty will be reunited with her beloved husband. Together they epitomized the best of “The Greatest Generation”.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Homewood at Plum Creek Benevolence Fund, 425 Westminster Avenue, Hanover, PA 17331.