Dorothy and Paul Hayhurst

Dorothy Ann Hayhurst and Paul Herman Hayhurst, Sr. passed from this life and into the waiting arms of their loved ones a mere five days apart; Dorothy, July 11, 2020, and Paul, July 16, 2020. Dorothy was born to Jesse and Mira Curren in Albion, Nebraska, October 15, 1933. Paul was born to Agnes and Zearm Hayhurst in Los Angeles, California, December 17, 1933.

They met in Lincoln, Nebraska where Dorothy pursued her nursing degree at Creighton University, and Paul his Air Force Credentials at Lincoln Air Force Base. They married June 8, 1955 and discovered a life of adventure overseas. Three sons were born to the union which kept Dorothy busy along with her nursing career.

Paul retired at a young age as a Senior Master Sargent in the Strategic Air Command and subsequently worked for his brother’s printing business. He possessed a sharp intellect, loved to read, and worked the New York Times crossword puzzles in ink. Paul was known for his wry sense of humor and mischief wasn’t a stranger to him.

Dorothy was a born care-giver so her vocation was a natural choice. But she didn’t stop there— her love and nurturing were felt by everyone who knew her, and continued even when she was very ill. She once said of her cat, Tom: “He’s a good cat who sometimes does bad things.” That was her philosophy about people, too, because she always forgave and loved us, no matter what.

After retirement, Dorothy and Paul settled in their Mesa home where they made many new friends in the community. When their health began to fail, their sons, who lived in different states, returned to help with their care.

They are survived by Paul’s sisters, Joanna Rust and Mary Holliday, sons, Paul Jr., David, and Chuck Hayhurst, grandchildren, Stacy and Luke Hayhurst, Jennifer (Hayhurst) Brooke, Alicia (Hayhurst) Ramsfield, Mike Carr, Chris Carr, Bobby Yocklin and Travis Yocklin, great grandchildren, Ben and Bailey Brooke, Alucard and Lilith Carr, and Myles Yocklin, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at the National Cemetery of Arizona, March 17, 2021 at eleven a.m.