Gayle Hayes

SOUTH JORDAN, UT – Gayle Hayes, 62, passed away Thursday, July 19, 2018, in her home surrounded by those who loved her.

Gayle was the most kind-hearted, caring, and accepting woman, who lived a jovial life filled with family, friends, and laughter. A generous and loving mother, she loved all of her children fiercely whether they came to her through adoption, birth, or marriage. She was a devoted daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. If you knew her, you loved her and counted her among your very best friends. She could light up a room with her quick wit and sassy sense of humor. She made all feel loved, valued, and accepted, and she fiercely advocated for equal rights and love and acceptance for all.

A talented actress, Gayle performed in many shows throughout the Salt Lake Valley, most recently at Desert Star Playhouse and Hale Centre Theatre. A few of her favorite shows included To Kill a Mockingbird, Big River, Footloose, and at least 14 years as part of the cast of A Christmas Carol. The theatre community was a huge help and support to her throughout both her battles with cancer. She also was an avid reader of mystery and historical novels, a passionate Ute fan and Crimson Club member (especially during football season), an accomplished knitter who enjoyed making sure her grandson was “dripping in yarn lovingly knotted into baby buntings,” and a Disneyphile who planned the best vacations to Disney World and decorated her house with all things Mickey Mouse.

Gayle worked with her dear friends as the controller at Caregiver Support Network. Her family is so grateful to them for the amazing support and diligent care that they provided Gayle during the moments she needed it the most.

Gayle is preceded in death by her parents, Mark and Irene Hayes, and by her brother, Todd Thomas Hayes. She is survived by her three children, Dawn Nielsen, Mark Nielsen (Katy), John Nielsen (Kat); and her step-son Cole Castleton (Mary). She also leaves behind one grandson, Isaac Nielsen; her siblings, Craig Hayes (Charlie), Bradd Hayes (Corie), and Kent Hayes (Garry Morris); and many nieces, nephews, and friends who adored her and will miss her very much.

A public memorial service celebrating Gayle’s life will be held on her birthday, July 30 at 10:00 a.m. at the Hale Centre Theatre, 9900 South Monroe Street, Sandy, UT 84070.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to METAvivor (Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness, Research, and Support) in memory of Gayle Hayes (http://www.metavivor.org/take-action/donate/).

“We didn’t even realize we were making memories, we just knew we were having fun” – Winnie the Pooh