Shirley Ann Sanderson Hayes

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Shirley Ann Sanderson Hayes, age 79, of Rupert, Idaho, formerly of Ivins, Utah, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by family, on Thursday, May 29, 2025.

She was born on March 19, 1946, in Murray, Utah, to Floyd H. Johnson and Ileene Mary Allen Johnson. Shirley grew up in Spring Lake, Utah, attended Payson High School, and it was there she met the love of her life, Samuel D. Sanderson. The two were married on August 30, 1963. Just over a year later, they followed her parents to California, where they raised their three children.

In 1978, the family moved to Rupert, Idaho, to return to a simpler, farm-centered life. Shirley and Sam purchased the Oasis Market and Café in Norland, Idaho. Around this time, Shirley joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and on January 16, 1981, the family was sealed in the Logan Utah Temple. She loved serving in the Church in any capacity, always demonstrating her deep compassion and love for others.

Later, Shirley began working as a cook in the Minidoka County School District, a position she held for over 30 years. She retired to care for her husband Sam until his passing in 2010. Shirley cherished time with her children and grandchildren, whether helping with fair projects, gardening, or playing in the yard.

A gifted artist, Shirley, was known for her realistic paintings. Her home became a gallery of her beloved artwork, and she won numerous awards, including blue ribbons and Best of Show honors. In 2015, she met and married Leonard C. Hayes. Together, they moved to Ivins, Utah, where they enjoyed traveling, game nights, and lunch dates with a new circle of friends who quickly became family. Shirley and Leonard created handmade Christmas gifts for each family member—Leonard crafted the woodwork, and Shirley painted and often designed the pieces.

They lived in Ivins until Shirley’s health began to decline, prompting a move back to Rupert to be near family and settle into their dream home.

Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Ileene Johnson; sister, Karen Firkins; her husband, Samuel Sanderson; and grandson, Bryce Sanderson.

She is survived by her loving husband, Leonard Hayes of Rupert, Idaho; sister, Deanna Martin (Thom) of Rochester, Washington; children: Christine Bean (Monte) of Rupert, Idaho, Mark Sanderson (Sharon) of Jackson, Idaho, and Allen Sanderson (Linda) of Paul, Idaho; stepchildren: Ginger Wood (Kirk) of Beavercreek, Oregon, Kurtis Hayes of Sterling, Virginia, Penni Echeverria (Lucas) of West Valley City, Utah, Kristen Cramer (David) of Chandler, Arizona, Ryan Carey (Bryn) of Camarillo, California, Mary Hansen (Kent) of Rupert, Idaho, and Andrew Carey (Marianne) of St. George, Utah.

She is also survived by grandchildren: Dereck Sanderson (Kristin) of Pasco, Washington, Chance Bean (Samantha) of Roswell, Idaho, Mikalea Emery (Kevin) of Twin Falls, Idaho, Stephanie Welch (Jeremie) of Jackson, Idaho, Craig Sanderson (Rachel) of Kimberly, Idaho, Stacie Mackay (Garrett) of Blackfoot, Idaho, Nathan Sanderson (Roxie) of Roseville, California, Megan Sanderson of Jackson, Idaho, Kirsten Sanderson of Logan, Utah, and Sarah Sanderson of Salt Lake City, Utah. Shirley was blessed with 10 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren of her own, and after marrying Leonard, she joyfully welcomed an additional 28 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren into her heart and family.

A viewing will be held Thursday, June 5, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Hansen Mortuary, 710 6th Street, Rupert, Idaho.

Funeral services will take place Friday, June 6, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Rupert Idaho Stake Center, 324 E 18th Street, Rupert, Idaho. A viewing will precede the service from 10:00 to 11:00a.m.

Graveside services will follow at the Rupert Cemetery. Arrangements under the direction of Joel Heward Hansen Mortuary.

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