HAYS, Betty J. (Pelley)

Hays, Betty J. "Toni" age 85, a resident of Irving since 1977, died July 23, 2011 at her home after a stroke on June 6, followed by six weeks of therapy. Born January 23, 1926 in Altus, Oklahoma, she was the daughter of Lucien A. Pelley and Martha Kenan Pelley. As a public school student and as the opportunity arose, she tirelessly and lovingly took care of her mother who had rheumatoid arthritis. Betty graduated from Altus High School in 1944. She attended Oklahoma College for Women for two years, and graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1948. She was a secretary for Humble Oil in Houston where she met her husband-to-be. She married Edwin G. Hays in Altus in May 1949. They lived in Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado. Betty was an assistant Cub Scout leader and assistant Girl Scout leader. She loved to cook, garden, and was an avid reader. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, PBS British mysteries, nature shows, and playing bridge. She volunteered at the Swedish Hospital in Denver and Baylor Medical Center at Irving. She had been to 45 of the 50 states and had visited every continent except Antarctica and Australia. A typical example of her desire for travel occurred after seeing the movie "Gorillas in the Mist". She enjoyed a trek in Rwanda, Africa to see those mountain gorillas in their habitat. Preceded in death by her daughter, Lori Gail Hays in 2006 and sister, Mary Ella Daniell in 2008, survivors include her husband, Ed; son, Kenan Hays both of Irving; daughter, Janet Osborne and husband Mike of Missouri City, Texas; grandsons, Nick Osborne and Joel Osborne; twelve nieces and nephews. A memorial service was held July 28, 2011. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, The Salvation Army or charity of choice.