Betty Hayden
Memorial Mass for Betty J. Hayden, 83, of Watford City, N.D., will be at 2 p.m., Friday, May 4, at Epiphany Catholic Church in Watford City. Father John Pfeifer will officiate. A reception will be held for all immediately following the services at the church. Interment will be a private ceremony at a later date at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Mandan, N.D.
Betty was born Jan. 19, 1929, at Glendive, Mont., the daughter of Henry and Dorothy Boe. She grew up in Williston, N.D. Betty ushered at the Grand Theatre and graduated from Williston High School.
Betty eloped with George Hayden on New Year’s Day of 1947, recently celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary. They resided in Williston for 12 years, during which time she worked as a waitress at the Club Missouri. The family relocated to Watford City in 1959, floating the house they built together across the river by the Mendenhall Ferry. It was moved south of Watford City and is still their home today. Betty worked for the McKenzie County Treasurer’s Office for 23 years. George and Betty have four children, George Jr. (Corky), Dorothy, Lana, and Sharon.
Betty enjoyed her family, friends and especially her Sunday outings with her “Popsie,” the love of her life. Her favorite activities included bowling, bingo, nickel and quarter slots, stitchery, word searches, and cards with friends. Many fun times were had with her friends and family at their cabin at McKenzie Bay. You would sometimes see her paddling around in “BJ’s Yacht,” her paddle boat, or fishing from the pontoon.
She seldom missed any of her kids’ or grandchildren’s activities. She was one of their biggest fans. She enjoyed her flowers and the company of her many friends, and she always had the coffee pot on for their visits. Sugar dog and Hunnie Doodle, her two favorite pets, held a special place in her heart.
She is survived by her loving and devoted husband, George; son, Corky (Marla) Hayden, of Watford City, N.D.; daughters, Dorothy (Mike) Anderson, Lana (Rod) Miller, both of Surprise, Ariz.; and Sharon (Rocky) Prestangen of Watford City, N.D.; grandchildren, Todd (Stephanie) Hayden, Lisa (Troy) Heupel, Jodi (Bill) Hanson, Jim (Drew) Anderson, Wendy Essl, Reena (Leon) Splane, Keith Miller, Erik (Sarah) Prestangen, Elyce Prestangen and her fiancé, Tyler Linseth; 14 great- grandchildren; brothers, Lawrence Boe of Williston, N.D. and Henry Boe of Fargo, N.D.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents and three sisters, Lorene Johnson, Doris Roane and Karen Worcester.