Obituary published on Legacy.com by Neal & Summers Funeral and Cremation Center on Sep. 19, 2025.
Loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister, Grace Ellen Hayden, 73 years old, a longtime Morgan County resident, entered eternal rest on Friday, September 19, 2025, with loved ones by her side at Grand Valley Health & Rehab in Martinsville. Her life began on Friday, October 19, 1951, in Indianapolis, Indiana when she was born to the late Richard "Dick" Sanford and Sue (Newman) Huskisson.
Grace was raised in Monrovia, IN and was a proud graduate of Monrovia High School with the Class of 1969. Shortly after graduation she married the love of her life, John Dennis Hayden, they were united in marriage on May 29, 1969. She was a member of the New View Community Church in Martinsville. She enjoyed working in the cafeteria and looking after the children during recess at Central School in Martinsville, where she retired. Prior to retirement she worked for Dairy Queen and the Armour Factory in Washington, IN and worked in laundry and was cook at the former Kennedy Home in Martinsville.
She enjoyed crocheting, working crossword puzzles, reading, babysitting, cooking and was a proud girl scout leader.
She leaves behind her loving family including her husband, John Dennis Hayden of
Martinsville, IN; daughter, Crystal Bewley and son, James "Rocky" Hayden of
Martinsville, IN; grandchildren, Stoney Hayden, Dalton, Logan and Josie Bewely; sisters, Joni Hoop of Clayton, IN, Jeanette "Jeannie" Peebles of Indianapolis, IN, Sondra Hayes of Mooresville, IN and Shelly Robertson of
Martinsville, IN; brothers, Don Rushton, Rick Sanford and Bill Huskisson all of Indianapolis, IN
She was preceded in death by her parents; stepfather, Wilmer Huskisson; stepmothers, Phyllis Sanford and Myrtle Sanford; sister, Delores Hayden and brothers, Larry Rushton and Mike Sanford
Family and friends are invited to visit on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, from 12:00 pm-2:00 pm at Neal & Summers Funeral & Cremation Center. A service celebrating Grace's life will begin at 2:00 pm Tuesday, immediately following the visitation at the funeral home. She will be laid to rest at Friendship Park Cemetery in
Paragon, IN.
Contributions to help with final expenses can be made to her family or the funeral home. Online condolences may be shared with her family at www.nealandsummers.com