Dorothy Marion Hayden's Obituary
Dorothy Marion Hayden was born in Tacoma on October 6, 1927, to George and Marion (Cooledge) Barras. She attended Whitman Grade School and then moved to Port Angeles with her parents. She attended public schools there, and then while living in Port Ludlow, attended Chimacum High School. Upon returning to Tacoma, she attended Lincoln High School, graduating in 1945 as one of the top twenty students. She then attended Pacific Lutheran College.
On November 15, 1946, she married Robert E. Hayden in the First Presbyterian Church, Tacoma. They were married 70 years until his death on May 8, 2017. They had two children, Terry Robert Hayden (Darlene), and Sandra Louise Payne (Thomas). Four grandchildren, Michael Hayden (Jennifer), Danette Sprague (John), John Payne (Kristan), and Corey Payne. Six great grandchildren, Angela Batulan (Yev), Jacob Sprague (Lyssa), Payton Johnson (Stevie), Aaron Payne, Cody Hayden, and Amy Payne. Five Great-great-grandchildren, Jacob's children Josie and Jase, and Angela's daughters Mia, Isla, and Inessa. She is also survived by her sister Geraldine Mitchell.
In 1966, she began work at Rhodes Department store, which later became Liberty House, and then Fredrick and Nelson. She retired in 1983. Dorothy was active in a variety of organizations and her church, including the Park Avenue PTA, the Mary Bell Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the 1812 Society, the Huguenot Society, and the Tacoma/Pierce County Genealogical Society. At First Presbyterian, Dorothy taught the two-year-olds in Sunday School for 40 years. She started the bell tradition there, with the Happy Bell Song. She also assisted with many receptions and was very active in the women's ministry. In addition to her volunteer work over the years, she helped plan many reunions for the Navy Ship USS Grayson, that her husband Bob served on during WWII.
Dorothy will be greatly missed by her loving family and friends.
Memorial Service to be held at the First Presbyterian Church (South Chapel), May 19, 2024, at 12:30 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church Sunday School: 20 Tacoma Ave S, Tacoma, Washington 98402 (fpctacoma.org/give)
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