Shirley Bernice Hayward

Shirley Bernice Hayward

June 5, 1924 - March 21, 2013

OBERLIN, Kansas -- Shirley Bernice Hayward, 88, died Thursday (March 21, 2013), at the Decatur County Good Samaritan Center in Oberlin.

She was born June 5, 1924, in Trenton, Nebraska, to Charles Ray and Bernice (Lyon) Smith.

Shirley and her three siblings grew up in Trenton. She attended Trenton public schools, graduating from high school in 1942.

On June 8, 1945, she married Laurel Lamont Hayward in Jacksonville, Florida, where he was stationed in the Navy Air Corps during World War II. After he was honorably discharged, the couple returned to Oberlin. One son, James Ray, was born to their union.

Shirley spent her early married years taking care of her home and son. She later worked as a dental assistant for Dr. Andy Thompson and as a bookkeeper for Hayward Oil Company.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Oberlin, the Bridge Club and Modern Woodmen of America.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Laurel Hayward, on April 6, 1995; son, James Hayward and two brothers, Keith and Norman Smith.

Survivors include two grandchildren, three great-grandchildren in addition to other family members and friends.

Funeral service was today, Monday, March 25, 2013, at 10:a.m. at Pauls Funeral Home, Oberlin, with the Rev. Nancy Proffitt officiating. Interment was at the Oberlin Cemetery.

Memorials may be given in her name. Condolences for the family may be left at www.paulsfh.com

Pauls Funeral Home in Oberlin and Selden, Kansas, is in charge of arrangements.