Obituary of Bettie Evelyn Hayden

Who She Was�My GrandmotherThe memories of the past are vagueThe hurts are forever and forgivenWhat I have today is what there is foreverAnd those are the memories of all I have to hold on to.In my mind I remember a face - one of beautyOne with rarely a frownAnd almost always a smileNever a harsh word - just a kind gentle smileI hear her voice as she says kind words to all who she knewThe words were always softAnd they were who she wasI will forever hear her say "Hi Honey" Soft and gentle was her voiceIn the air I breatheI know she is thereTo guide and protect all who she lovedI will forever be gratefulI was born through her to loveI am now who she wasThere is another shining star in the heavens tonight, our beloved Bettie (Brown) Hayden. After a long battle with cancer, she has joined her mother and father; husband of thirty years, Col. Guy Hayden; and her youngest daughter, Darlene Hayden in eternal peace.Bettie was born March 26, 1925 to Dolly (Gable) and Harold Brown in West Virginia. She is survived by her two daughters, Sandy Penninger (her constant companion and caregiver), and Beverly Nance from Arizona; three living grandchildren, Marie, Cheryl and Billy; and three great-grandchildren, Daniel, Hannah and Zak; as well as her dear friend and caregiver, Kippy.Bettie and Guy married on October 7, 1945. Guy made the Air Force his lifetime career. They traveled the world with their three children. After Guy retired, they settled in Gunnison, Colorado where they built a home and a new life. Bettie had many passions. She loved bowling (fifty years), was a Senior Olympic Gold Medalist, owned the Welcome Wagon (fifteen years), belonged to the American Legion, VFW, and was a Gold Star wife. Her passion for reading led her to become a reporter for the Gunnison Country Times. She had her own column; Rainbows End, by Bettie Hayden.She also loved all things outdoors. Music, dancing, and the theatre were also great loves. This precious diamond touched the lives of many and we will deeply miss her. Rest in Peace Mom, Grandma, Gigi, Bettie�you'll live in our hearts forever.Our deepest gratitude goes to the loving care we received from the Pikes Peak Hospice during this difficult time. A special thank you to Amber and Olivia for helping us through and offering round the clock support, care and love. We know she left peacefully because of this incredible devotion.A Memorial Service will be held in Gunnison, Colorado at a future date.