Betty May Hays, 90, Plattsburg, MO formerly of Poplar Bluff, MO passed away October 15, 2019. Services will be private. The family requests contributions to the First United Methodist Church of Poplar Bluff, 500 N. Main St., Poplar Bluff, MO 63901 or the American Cancer Society. Betty was born June 11, 1929 in Doniphan, MO. She graduated from Southeast Missouri State University with a B.S. in Education and a Masters’ Degree in reading. She was a first grade teacher at O’Neal School in Poplar Bluff. She retired after thirty-two years of service in 1994. She was named the Teacher of the Year in 1983 for the Poplar Bluff School District. Betty was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Poplar Bluff and, along with her husband, was a charter member of The Wesleyan Class for young married couples. She enjoyed sewing, baking, growing flowers and reading. Betty is survived by daughters Pam Hays, Jami Goetz; son Ray Hays and wife Angela; brother Jim Highfill; grandchildren Cassie Plowman, Alexis Hays, Max Hays, Tyler Fiala and great-grandson Cavaughn Plowman.