Mary Frances (Maack) Matheson Hayes

There once was a beautiful young girl who loved to sing…  Born on June 21st 1929, Mary Frances learned to sing from her mother, Sarah Agnes Maack, but it may have been through her father, Eugene Darwin Maack and his trumpet, that Mary learned to love all music.  Whether playing with her sisters, Jeannie and Margaret, starring in the musicals at East High, solos in church services and family gatherings, or even singing professionally live on the radio, Mary’s angelic soprano voice was joyful and inspiring and the favorite of everyone.  It was certainly the favorite of a young law student, Franklyn Boyd Matheson, who Mary met before graduating from the University of Utah with a degree in Elementary Education.  Frank and Mary were married in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on August 17th, 1951.  With Frank at her side, Mary continued to inspire and teach and bring joy through song and service for 55 years. 

With a song each morning and prayers at her knee each night, Mary raised seven strong and faithful children: Marjorie (Jerry) King, Susan (Gary) Lawrence, Bud (Tammy) Matheson, David (Suzie) Matheson, Richard (Mindy) Matheson, Michael (Holly) Matheson, and Bonnie White.  Mary’s music and gentle touch has inspired and blessed the lives of 40 wonderful grandchildren and now, 104 (and counting) great-grandchildren are being raised through the influence of Mary’s beautiful music!  Each child has been blessed with delight and warmth and faith at the sound of “Grandma’s” voice and the touch of her healing hands. 

Perhaps the only thing more beautiful than Mary’s voice is Mary’s testimony in and commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  She has a passion for the scriptures and for the teachings of right and truth and eternal happiness.  Mary knows and loves her Heavenly Father and older brother, Jesus Christ.  Her love for the Lord is evident in the sacred spirit that permeates Mary’s home and motivates the constant service and care that she gives her cherished, life-long friends and neighbors.  With faith and love, Mary magnified countless Church callings, served as an Ordinance Worker in the Temple, fulfilled a fulltime mission with her companion Frank, and for 20 years, Mary sang in the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square.  Mary’s testimony is borne not only through song but through constant service and love and the Christ-like example of her everyday life.

Mary’s total beauty captured a second suiter after Frank passed in 2006.  Our lives were blessed and Mary’s constant smile returned when she married Grant Jerry Hayes in 2009 and welcomed into her heart his dear family, Brent (Rinda) Hayes and Tim (Susan) Hayes.  Jerry’s tender care and love for Mary has truly been a gift from above!   Mary’s family has been blessed by the addition of wonderful new brothers and sisters to share in the autumn of Mary’s life. 

Anxious for Mary to again sing with His celestial choir, Heavenly Father welcomed his beautiful daughter home on October 10, 2021.  Mary is singing again with her Mom and Dad, her older brother and sister, her granddaughter, her eternal sweetheart, and with her Savior. 

A viewing for Mary will be held on Friday evening, October 15th from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. and on Saturday morning, October 16th from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. followed by a celebration of Mary’s beautiful life at 12 noon.  All of the services will be held at the Rosecrest Ward Chapel, 3101 So 2300 East.  

Condolences may be expressed through www.HolbrookMortuary.com. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the LDS General Missionary Fund.  With grateful hearts, Mary’s family extends its sincere appreciation to all those who assisted in her care and support, especially the skilled and loving caregivers at Spring Gardens Assisted Living Center, BrightStar Home Care, and Bristol Hospice for the compassionate care that enabled Mary to continue so long with the song in her heart …that we will all miss so much.

Funeral Service Audio Recording