Betty Joyce Hayes

Born on June 5, 1938, to Joseph and Mayme Carolan, Betty was raised in Kansas City. She graduated from Southeast High School and went on to attend Baker University, where she was a proud member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority. It was there she met her husband, Kent Hayes, and they shared 25 years of marriage.

In Betty's youth she was actively involved, along with her parents, in her community. As part of the Kansas City, Missouri, community they participated in the very first production at Starlight Theater. In her first career she supported Kent's work and lovingly raised their children. She then became a travel agent in her second career, which allowed her to fulfill her dream of traveling the world. In her retirement, she continued her community engagement by serving as president of her homeowner's association.

Her personal interests included a love for the beach, where she often enjoyed the soothing sounds of the ocean. Betty had a passion for Kansas City sports teams. This passion came from her parents, who were original ticket holders when the Chiefs first came to town, giving them the 82nd spot in line to get Chiefs season tickets at Arrowhead Stadium. Her passions extended to a keen awareness of political and public affairs.

In accordance with her wishes, there will be no public services; a private burial will be held by the family.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Mayme Carolan; her sister, Martha Carolan Hanlan; and her brother, Joseph Carolan Jr.

She is survived by her sons, Michael Hayes of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Mark Hayes (Brenda) of Burlingame, Kansas; her daughter, Lisa Greene (Jack) of Carolina Beach, North Carolina; six grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren.