Obituaries

RHUE GRACE HAYDEN

Rhue Grace Hayden was born in Toledo, Ohio, in 1942, the daughter of Grace and George. Four years later, she became the proud older sister of Rhys Layton. She was raised in Waukegan, Illinois, and enjoyed a childhood filled with picnics on Lake Michigan and adventures with her brother and cousins.

At the age of 18, Rhue moved to Laramie, Wyoming, to attend the University of Wyoming, home of the Cowboys. She later moved to Jackson, Wyoming, for work, where she met her future husband, Worth Hayden. The two married three years later in Jackson. Shortly after their wedding, Rhue and Worth moved to Utah, where Rhue worked to support Worth while he completed his bachelor’s degree.

They then headed north to Edmonton, Alberta, so Worth could attend graduate school at the University of Alberta and reconnect with their friend Jan Murie from Jackson, who was also attending the university. Rhue continued working in insurance offices to help pay the bills while Worth completed his master’s degree. Their son, Reade, was born in Edmonton in 1969. Two years later, the family moved to Winnipeg, where Rhue would live for the rest of her life. In 1973, their daughter Leigh was born.

Rhue worked as a school secretary at Dieppe, General Byng, and Bairdmore Schools, where she expertly corralled students, teachers, and administrators alike.

Rhue was truly the life of the party. She loved her family and friends deeply, and she left a lasting impression on everyone she met. With her larger-than-life personality, endless energy, and take-charge spirit, she brought people together wherever she went. She was a gifted organizer and planner, coordinating golf tournaments, family reunions, and countless backyard parties. She became a wedding officiant, and performed dozens of marriages, enjoying helping couples start their lives together in touching and unorthodox ways.

She was also a dedicated volunteer and active community member, giving her time to the Roblin Park Community Centre, the Canadian Cancer Society, the Alzheimer Society of Canada, the Winnipeg Christmas Cheer Board, the Canadian Red Cross, and the Manitoba Theatre Centre.

Rhue loved bridge, golf, and cheering on the Chicago Bears. At Dieppe School, she earned the nickname “The Refridgerette,” proudly wearing the custom jersey created for her. One of her deepest regrets was never being able to attend a Chicago Bears game with her father. She also loved to travel and enjoyed exploring much of North America, Europe, and Asia.

Despite living with Alzheimer’s, Rhue remained positive, bright, and full of spirit until the very end. One hospital physician remarked that she was among the happiest patients he had ever met. The care team at Victoria Hospital (4 North) treated her with great kindness and compassion.

Rhue was a loyal and fiercely loving wife, mother, and friend. She was an advocate and advisor, a co-conspirator and coach, an organizer and orator. She is deeply missed, endlessly loved, and greatly admired. Her impact lives on in the many people whose lives she touched, along with the echoes of her fabulous laugh and beautiful spirit.

Rhue’s celebration of life will be held on August 19, 2026 at the Assiniboine Park Pavilion Atrium from 1-4 pm.