Gloria Hays

Gloria Celeste Hays passed away on September 19, 2026, after a brief and difficult battle with cancer. Her family mourns the loss of a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and gifted homemaker whose love and creativity made family life extraordinary.

Gloria was born in Ogden, Utah, on November 24, 1954. Her family moved frequently during her early years before settling in Dugway, Utah, when she was in sixth grade. There she met her future husband, John. They began dating during their senior year of high school in 1973 and married four years later on Gloria’s birthday.

After graduating from high school, Gloria began her career in the Provost Marshal’s Office at Dugway Proving Ground. She and John later moved to Salt Lake City, where she worked at Wolf’s Sporting Goods, a position that made her very proud. In 1979, they moved to Pleasant Grove and purchased their first house. Having a home of her own meant the world to Gloria.

After moving into their new home, Gloria and John welcomed their sons. She often said that their boys’ younger years were among the happiest times of her life, and she loved caring for and building her new family. She made holidays and birthdays unforgettable with designer cakes, handmade costumes, and decorations throughout the home. Halloween was her favorite time of year and gave her another opportunity to share her creativity with her sons. Gloria was deeply artistic, and she used her talents to turn every house she lived in into a beautiful home for her family.

When Gloria returned to the workforce, she accepted an accounting position at Snowbird Ski Resort. She loved working amid the beautiful mountains, and one of her favorite pleasures was driving through Little Cottonwood Canyon while listening to jazz on the radio. Gloria concluded her career after seventeen years of service with the Federal Aviation Administration. She then retired to New Harmony, Utah, where she and John built their dream home.

Gloria loved Lake Powell and treasured time spent on the boat. Strawberry Reservoir was her favorite place to boat because she could enjoy the surrounding mountains. Whether riding ATVs, boating, or simply camping, she especially loved being outdoors with her family.

Although Gloria lived a private life, her love for her immediate family was unmistakable. She treasured her husband and sons and devoted herself to making their lives as special as possible.

Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, Larry Gonzales and Dora S. Gonzales. She is survived by her loving husband, John Hays; her son Brian Hays and his wife, Julie; her cherished grandson, Josh Hays; her son Dustin Hays and his wife, Nicole Hays; and her siblings, Nicholas Gonzales, Bobbie Martin, Greg Gonzales, Kate Riley, and Patty Hedden, along with their families.

Gloria loved her family with all her heart and soul. Her devotion, creativity, and gift for making every occasion special will be dearly missed by all who loved her.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Gloria’s name to Primary Children’s Hospital (801-442-3443).

Final arrangements are under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary. To share online condolences, please visit www.mortuary.org.