Janet Hays — UPDATED
Janet Bentrup Hays, 89, Saint Simons Island, Ga., and North Manchester, died Jan. 21, 2023, at Stillwater Hospice, Fort Wayne.
The youngest of two children, Janet was born July 5, 1933, in St. Louis, Mo., to David and Clara (Goebel) Bentrup. During her high school years, Janet was active in field hockey and volleyball. After graduating from University City High School in 1951, she went on to earn her artium baccalaureus (Bachelor of Arts) degree in education from Washington University in St. Louis in 1955. She then taught second grade in Saint Louis, Mo., for five years.
Janet met Donald Hays while in high school, and the two remained friends until after college when they began dating. They wed on June 12, 1959, at Bethel Lutheran Church in St. Louis, Mo., and were blessed with one son, William “Bill” Hays, during their 42 years of marriage. While living in St. Louis, Mo., Janet kept busy with volunteer work by donating her time to Cub Scouts, the Delta Gamma Christmas Tree lot and the St. Louis Christmas Carolers Association. In 1976, she and Donald moved to Syracuse, where they acquired the Kale Island Beacon Restaurant. In 1990, they purchased a winter home in Saint Simons Island, Ga., where they loved to spend time. In 2018, Janet left the Syracuse area to move closer to family at Timbercrest Senior Living in North Manchester.
Janet and her family prioritized travel. They particularly enjoying visiting Fair Hills, Minn., and Janet delighted in traveling to Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Israel, Turkey, South Africa, Chile and all-over North America. She also relished in her time spent golfing, playing cards and spending time with her many friends. Faith was always important to Janet, and she was a member of Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Saint Simons Island, Ga. She attended Zion Lutheran Church while living in North Manchester.
The loving memory of Janet Hays will be forever cherished by her son, Bill (Jo) Hays, North Manchester; grandsons, David (Crystal) Hays, Warsaw and Brian (Amber) Hays, Wrangell, Alaska; six great-grandchildren, Monica, Sophie, Mabel, Murray, Bentrip and Holland; and sister, Jean (Edward) Charlé, Waverly, Ohio.
A celebration of Janet’s life will be held at a later date at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 2801 Frederica Road, Saint Simons Island, Ga. Burial will be at Valhalla Cemetery, 7600 Saint Charles Rock Road, St. Louis, Mo.
For those who wish to honor the memory of Janet Hays, memorial contributions may be made to Delta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments, 1750 South Big Bend Blvd., Richmond Heights, MO 63117 or Coastal Georgia Historical Society, 610 Beachview Drive, Saint Simons Island, GA 31522.
The family of Janet Hays has entrusted McKee Mortuary, North Manchester, with care and final arrangements.