Bette Jo Hayden, 72, passed away on Monday, July 20,2026, at home. She was born in Shawnee OK on October 2, 1953, a daughter to Thomas and Doris (Truitt) Woodman who preceded her in death.

On December 11th, 1976, in Sedalia she was married to her true love Gary Hayden, who resides in the home.

She was a graduate of Smith-Cotton High School and Central Missouri State University (now UCM). Bette taught business one year at Stover High School and 23 years at Smith-Cotton High School. She enjoyed teaching and getting to know her students. She has remained friends with many of them.

After retirement she did volunteer work for Hospice, Red Cross and the Auxillary at Bothwell Regional Hospital and was involved with several church groups.

She was a strong believing Christian. She faced many illnesses throughout her life and she was such a fighter. She helped others face their health issues. She never gave up!!

Bette also enjoyed riding her own Harley-Davidson motorcycle. She was a very active member of the Harley Owners Group in Sedalia where she held several officer titles. She rode on many trips with her husband and others to various places in Missouri and Arkansas. Some of her most memorable trips were with a few couples to Durango Colorado, Daytona Beach Florida, Maggie Valley in North Carolina, Mackinaw Island Michigan to name a few. She really enjoyed attending the Missouri State Harley Owners Group rally every year where she won numerous riding awards along with the "Female State Champion" award.

She enjoyed doing different crafts, reading and watching Hallmark movies. She especially going to her grandchildren's sporting events and spending time with them.

In addition to her husband, Bette is survived by her son Keith Hayden (Jenny) of Sedalia and two grandsons Dylan and Camden; two step-daughters Kim Goetz (Dennis) of Cole Camp and Kathy Cornell (John) of Sedalia, 5 grandchildren, Ryan, Jonathan, Lindsay, Miranda, Payton, all of Sedalia and 7 great-grandchildren; a sister Ramona Slagel (Daniel) of Long Beach California and a brother Bob Woodman of Sedalia and several nieces and a nephew.

She was preceded in death by her parents Tom and Doris Woodman and a brother, James (Woody) Woodman.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Rea Funeral Chapel with Pastor Candace Fowler officiating.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the chapel.

Burial will be in Crown Hill Cemetery, Sedalia.

Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, Celebration Center, in the care of Rea Funeral Chapel.