Betty Hayden

Betty Lou (Hepburn) Hayden, 85, of Ellensburg, passed away at Prestige Care & Rehab on Saturday, May 12, 2018.

Viewing was held Friday, May 18 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at Steward & Williams Funeral Home in Ellensburg. Graveside services were conducted at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 19 at the Ellensburg IOOF Cemetery.

Betty was born on August 29, 1932 in Ellensburg, Washington to James & Mildred (Zier) Hepburn. She grew up in Ellensburg and attended school at Lincoln Elementary, Morgan Middle School and graduated from Ellensburg High School with the class of 1951, followed by two years of classes at Central Washington University. While in school, Betty met a young man named Norm Hayden. When Norm enlisted in the United States Army, the two remained pen-pals and determined that when Norm returned home, they would get married. They did just that in 1952 and a year later they were blessed with their only son, Stephen. After their marriage, the young couple settled on the westside of Washington where Norm had opened Hayden Industries, an aircraft manufacturing company. Betty worked alongside Norm for a number of years in the business before they divorced in 1967.

Betty later moved to Chula Vista, California and then moved back to the Seattle area in 1984 to work for Steve at his company, working in packaging and parts marking. Betty suffered a disabling stroke at age 58 and Steve lovingly cared for her since that time. Betty loved music and sang in the church choir and played the organ. She loved being a mother and grandmother, spending time socializing with her friends and had a great sense of humor. She was dedicated to others and found a great sense of joy in helping those around her.

Betty is survived by her son Stephen (Devereaux) Hayden of Ellensburg; grandchildren Sarah Hayden of Seattle and Steven Hayden of Issaquah and her sister Jeanette Polley of Naches. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Darlene Burton and daughter in law Linda Hayden. Betty loved dogs and so memorial contributions to honor her legacy are suggested to the Ellensburg Animal Shelter,1007 Industrial Way, Ellensburg, WA 98926 Steward & Williams Funeral Home and Crematory of Ellensburg has been entrusted with caring for Betty's family. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.steward-williams.com