Betty J. (Wittrock) Hayes

On September 22, 2023 Betty Jane Hayes passed away peacefully. She was met in Heaven by her mother and father, Carl and Marie Wittrock, and sisters, Jo Wittrock and Jeanie Sandvig.

Betty was born in Falls Citty Nebraska on January 14, 1934.  She grew up on the dairy farm of her parents.  Later the family moved into town.  She talked fondly of her great memories of working at the family dairy in town when she went to High School.  She attended Falls City High School and graduated Salutatorian of her class in 1951.

 In 1956 was married to Robert Hayes.  They were married 14 years and together they had three sons, Jeff, Scott, and Mike.  After the dissolution of her marriage, she moved with her three sons to Lincoln, Nebraska.  She was very dedicated to providing Jeff, Scott, and Mike with a stable life.  She was able to get a job as a Legal Secretary, and starting with virtually nothing she made sure they all had a very nice home in a good neighborhood with good schools.  Obviously raising three boys can be challenging for a single mother.  But she was completely committed to making sure they all knew she was there for them, helping them with their challenges, making sure that they had everything she could provide for them, and were raised with love. 

 In 1985 she moved to La Mesa California to live with her older sister Jo.  Betty and Jo were very active with their friends, and were very involved with their church, Christ Lutheran Church of La Mesa. Both sang in the choir and were active members with a Bible Study group.  Additionally, both were volunteers at the San Diego airport, and Betty also volunteered at Sharp Memorial Hospital.…and it would be a huge oversight not to mention that Betty was an avid, lifelong Nebraska Cornhusker football fan!

 Betty is survived by her sons Jeff (Karla), Scott, and Mike…Jeff’s daughters Ali (Nathan), and Hannah, and Ali and Nathan’s daughter Claire…also, her brother John and his wife Susan.

 Betty should be remembered as a woman that was very dedicated to her family…very sincere, kind, well liked and caring…and one of the nicest people you will ever meet!

“His master said to him,‘Well done, good and faithful slave! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy!’ – Matthew 25:21

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