Bettye Jo Hays (Plainview)

Bettye Jo Hays, 85 Long-time Kress resident Bettye Jo Hays, 85, died January 19, 2012 in Tulia, Texas. Mrs. Hays was born August 25, 1926 in Corsicana, Texas to Joseph T. and Viola (Criswell) Martin. Mrs. Hays graduated from Plainview High School and attended nursing school in Lubbock. She had planned on a career in the U. S. Navy Nurse Corps, but the Second World War ended before she completed the R.N. program. Bettye was very proud to be a nurse, a farmer-rancher’s wife, mother of five, and homemaker. While working as a nurse, she met her future husband, Paul Hays. Betty was sent to prepare Paul for his surgery and according to her, it took multiple attempts to get the sheet lowered enough to shave the required area for the appendectomy. In 1948 Bettye and Paul were married in a double wedding along with Paul’s twin sister, Pauline and her fiancé, S. A. Barrett. The couples lived within a few miles of each other since their marriage. She was a member of Kress Church of Christ. Bettye is survived by her husband Paul; sister Hazel Nell Gregg of Colleyville, Texas; son Kim T. and wife Donice of Kress; son Kelly and wife Delana of Dumas; daughter Jeanne and husband Ronnie Askew of Lubbock; son John and wife Cece of Dumas; son Joe and wife Roxi of Lubbock; seventeen grandchildren; twenty-two great-grandchildren; as well as scores of nieces and nephews. Condolences may be sent to Paul Hays, 8607 FM 145, Kress, Texas 79052. Private family services were held Thursday, January 19, 2012 under of the care of Kornerstone Funeral Directors of Plainview. Nephew Steve Barrett officiated for the family burial.