Lillian Hayes papers, 1970-1995

Lillian Young "Lily" Hayes was born on 1920 January 21 in Roosevelt, Utah to Elsie Lucile Brady and Dallas Huber Young. Lillian graduated from Provo High School and attended the Brigham Young University (BYU) business school. During this time, she met Keith Hayes, who was working as a mining engineer for US Steel. Keith Hayes served in the United States Army during World War II while Lillian Young Hayes moved to San Francisco, California to work as a secretary for the war effort. In 1946, Lillian Young married Keith Hayes; together, they had 6 children. The family settled in Payson, Utah.

Lillian Hayes worked as an environmental activist and organizer to protect land, watersheds, animal, and plant habitats in Utah. She organized for the protection of natural spring waters in Provo Canyon and the wetlands around Utah Lake, and successfully advocated against the Utah Highway Department's plan to pave over Provo Canyon springs. Hayes served as president of the Timpanogos Audubon Society and precinct chairwoman of the Democrat party. Additionally, she was a member of many groups, including: the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), League of Women Voters, Friends of the Great Salt Lake, Save Our Canyons. Awards and recognitions that Hayes received for her work included: Utah Valley University Environmental Ethics Award (2001); the Stella Walsh award from the Democratic Women of Utah County (2013); and a Trailblazer Women Award from Provo City (2020).

Lillian Young Hayes died on 2022 May 1.

Lillian Hayes Obituary . (2022, May 6). The Salt Lake Tribune. Legacy.com .