Betty Jo (deMontel) Hay left her earthly home for her heavenly home April 4, 2011, at the age of 77. She was born May 30, 1933, in Hondo to Oscar and Florence (Forrester) deMontel. Betty deMontel Hay was filled with a great exuberance for life. She belonged to one of the pioneer farming and ranching families of Medina County. She has been a participating member of First United Methodist Church, Hondo, for 54 years. A sixth grade teacher with Hondo ISD, she loved her students. She taught for 37 years, found great joy in teaching, and was inspired by the achievements of her students. She shared 57 years of love and happiness with her husband, Gerald Hay. They were always a real team and made life exciting and successful. Betty loved her family and they loved her in return. She is survived by her husband, Gerald; son and daughter-in-law, Timothy and Susie Hay of Hondo; daughter, Kimberly Cude of Hondo; and four grandchildren, Charlie Hay, Stephanie Cude, Travis Hay, and Lindsey Cude; and sisters, Shirley Bauer and Peggy Moore, both of Schertz. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, Apr. 8, at First United Methodist Church. Funeral service will be at 2 p.m., Saturday, at First United Methodist Church, Hondo, followed by interment at Hondo Cemetery, Oakwood Section.