Lea Kristiana Hayes' Obituary
It is with great sadness, that the family of Lea Kristiana Bushman Hayes announces her passing on September 2, 2017, at the age of 52 years after a brief illness.
She was born December 5, 1964 in Provo, Utah to Clarence Earl Bushman (2-11-1937; Snowflake, AZ) and Leena Kyllikki Makipaja (4-8-1933; Finland). She had one brother, Preston Vilho Bushman (12-27-1962; Germany) who married Jennifer Johnson in 1992.
Lea graduated from Snowflake AZ High School in 1983. She married James Travis Hayes (12-9-1966; Holbrook, AZ) on May 11, 1985 in Joseph City, Arizona. They have three children: Karina Charee Hayes (4-8-1985; Phoenix, AZ), Jessica Lynn Hayes (7-21-1986; Box Elder, SD) and Jason Trevor Hayes (10-17-1989; Mesa, AZ). Lea and James divorced in 2000 after 14 years of marriage. They have one grandchild, Israel Peyton (10-21-2009; Orem, UT).
She is preceded in death by her parents and brother. She is survived by her three children, grandchild, ex-husband and sister-in-law.
Lea spent her early childhood living in Europe & on the Navajo Indian reservation. She loved music and played the violin. Lea was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She worked for Utah Valley Regional Medical Center for many years. She had a love for Disney movies and butterfly figurines. She loved her children and grandchild---Jessica said, “we are part of what kept her going, even if we drove her nuts sometimes.”
Cremation has occurred. A life celebration will be held on November 11, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Light of Christ Church, 823 S 600 E, Salt Lake City.
Those who so desire may make memorial donations in memory of Lea to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (http://www.michaeljfox.org)
She will be greatly missed and never forgotten.
From Karina: I carry you in my heart and my soul always and forever more. You always made a way to get things done and that’s one of the many things I admired. Your love for everyone is so big. In your heart, you had a love for music, singing, arts & crafts, and movies. Oh, and I can’t forget about “the evil store” (the hospital gift shop, where you got most of your knick-knacks from. Hope you are running as fast as you can in the sky with Grandpa, Grandma and your brother. I love you with all my heart, Mommy.
From Jessica: I love you, Mom.
From Jason:
Dear Mother
Sometimes I wish that I were back at home,
In the loving arms that held me strong.
To reassure my safety, my peace, my soul;
To let me know that everything was okay, that you were in control.
But reality has set in, my course is now set;
Guided by your love, making no move that I would regret.
You hath raised me, raised a man, a man of values indeed.
Your instructions on life I live by and have learned to take heed.
Obedience is therefore greater than any sacrifice I can make,
And I'd rather die horrifically, than your heart at any time I break.
Love you, yes indeed, far greater than any other.
A lady of profound beauty and wisdom, but above all MY MOTHER
What’s your fondest memory of Lea?
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