Darlene Kay Hayes
Darlene Kay Hayes, 59, passed away on April 26, 2025, in Cottonwood.
She leaves behind her cherished daughters, Renee E. Hendershot (Hayes) and Samantha M. Reed (Blizzard), and four beloved grandchildren who were the light of her life, Christopher Hendershot, Caleb Hendershot Jr., Riley Evans and Landon Reed. Darlene is also survived by her siblings, Robert G. Hayes, Kim A. Anderson (sister-in-law Laura), and Melinda Thoms (Rives) (brother-in-law Daniel); her aunt, Dorothea Atchison (Hayes); and uncle, George Hayes. Her closest friends, Jack Collins, Tina Carnes, and Dawn Hendrix, will forever hold her memory dear.
Darlene Kay Hayes, born Aug. 5, 1965, in Cottonwood, graduated Ray High School in 1984. She worked in Social Services for the state of Arizona. In her free time, she loved camping and spending time with friends. A vibrant soul who lived life to the fullest, Darlene’s kindness, love, and unique spirit touched everyone she met.
She grew up in the close-knit desert town of Kearny, before embracing life’s adventures. Darlene’s infectious joy and boundless love for her family and friends created lasting bonds across Mesa, Cottonwood, Flagstaff, and Kearny. Her love for her family knew no distance, and her legacy of warmth and compassion will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, May 10, at 10 a.m. at Set Free Church, located at Upton and Danbury in Kearny, with Reverend Wayne Jones officiating.