Henrietta Igou Hajovsky

Henrietta Igou Hajovsky died on April 15, 2011 surrounded by those she loved most: her daughter, Jane Hajovsky; her son, Robert Hajovsky and his wife Rae Garrett; and her precious dog, Rusty. Henrietta lived her life to the fullest, embracing her family, friends and all things exciting and beautiful. Henrietta was born in Liberal, Kansas, on June 19, 1922 to Jack and Martha Igou. Jack was President of Citizens State Bank and Martha was the hostest-with-the-mostest. She played hard with her brother, Robert Igou and sister, Mary Igou Crowley, who precede her in death. The family welcomed baby sister, Gloria Igou Fay, when Henrietta was 10 years old. Jack and Martha Igou gave their children a love of life and family. When Henrietta completed Liberal High School in 1940 she went to Colorado Women's College in Denver, CO. As the US entered World War II, Henrietta went to Mesa, AZ, to work at Williams Air Force Base parts assembly plant. After a time, she returned to Liberal, KS and worked at the Rock Island Railroad in Liberal. During this time, Henrietta met and married a handsome Air Force pilot trainer, JJ Hajovsky, on February 23, 1945. JJ and Henrietta left Liberal after the war and went to Austin, TX, while JJ completed his studies at the University of Texas. They then returned to Kansas to build their life together in Elkhart. JJ began working for Star Lumber Company in Elkhart and then started Elkhart Lumber Company. Henrietta jumped into community work at the Catholic Church and PEO. ""Henri"" and JJ joined with friends to dance the night away. In 1951, they welcomed their first child, Jane, followed by Robert in 1956. With the birth of Robert and Jane, Henrietta began her life's passion—giving her children the moon. She was there to encourage and support every sport, music and science event with her children. Henrietta also continued her active community work with the Catholic Church and PEO in Elkhart and across Kansas. As her children began working, she cherished her time visiting them in New York, Washington DC, Texas, Santa Fe and Denver. Henrietta was always ready with a U-Haul as Robert and Jane moved to new cities. She also began traveling the world with her friends, Muggins and her God-Daughter, Lisa Hood; Mildred McDaniels and Mary Silva, and her sister Gloria. Also, Henrietta enjoyed many road trips to Phoenix to visit Gloria and Dick Fay and her favorite nephew, John Fay, and her nieces, Martha Moneypenny and Melanie and Jim Baca and their children, Samantha and Christopher. When any family member was sick or needed help, Henrietta was in her car and off to help. She also loved to shop. ""Henri"" and Virginia Crowley took many a road trip to Liberal and Amarillo, TX shopping. She played bridge and golf with her close friends, Louise Graybill and Betty Elder. In 2002, Henrietta moved to Denver to live with her daughter, Jane, and be near her son, Robert. It was hard for Henrietta to leave her friends in Elkhart, but as always—family came first. In her final years, Henrietta found peace and joy in family dinners and holidays. She always had a recipe to add or a decorating tip. She found great joy in watching and loving her precious pet, Rusty. Henrietta leaves her family and friends with beautiful, exciting and happy memories and love. Graveside service on Thursday April 21, 2011 at 2:00pm in the Liberal Cemetery located at 1900 W. 15th St. A reception to follow at the Cottage Inn, 129 N. Baca St., Elkhart, KS at 5:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to the Education Projects of PEO Chapter BF, % Dorothy Simmons, Treasurer, PO Box 654, Elkhart, KS 67950.