Gladys Hayes-Conrad of Mount Vernon died Sunday, May 25, 2025. She was 98.

Born in Coupeville, Washington on March 28, 1927, she was a daughter of Maymie and George Hammons, and the youngest of their six children.

Gladys was a wonderful singer, dancer, and storyteller, and she always filled her home and holidays with decorations and her beautiful laugh. She read and traveled widely and made many friends with her warmth and kindness. She saw a lot in her 98 years: She remembered before the Deception Pass Bridge was built and told one of her great-grandchildren that it was more exciting to get indoor plumbing than it was to get electricity.

She was a young war bride during World War II and spent two years living in Japan with her two young sons. After returning to Mount Vernon, she met and married Howard Hayes, and they had two daughters.

The family had many wonderful adventures exploring the San Juan Islands and camping and water-skiing at Lake Chelan.

Gladys had a very successful career in retail, working at several stores in Mount Vernon. She retired from JCPenney as a senior manager in 1986.

Gladys and Howard enjoyed several years of retirement, exploring Arizona and other destinations by RV prior to Howard's passing in 1991.

Gladys was reacquainted with Chuck Conrad in 1991, and they married in 1993. They spent many years traveling by auto and following their grandchildren's sporting adventures.

Gladys is survived by her children, Don Hayes (Carol), Steve Hayes (Cheri), Shelley Dewey (Craig), and Kim Winnie (John).

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jacob Hayes, Kevin Hayes (Carolyn), Nathan Dewey, Ryan Dewey (Kellye), Brennan Dewey, Megan Richter (Sean), Trista Winnie Fraser (Andy), and Trevor Winnie (Stephanie); and by her 17 great-grandchildren: Jacob and Rian Dewey; Marian, Matilda, and Clara Dewey; Cora, Hazel, and Calvin Winnie Fraser; June Dewey; Tyler and Andrew Hayes; Henry, Layla, Sadie, and Bruce Richter; and Camden and Mila Winnie.

In addition, she is survived by her stepdaughter-in-law, Tamara Conrad; step-grandchildren, Krissa Cramer (Kurt) and Kelsie Hunter (Judd); and step-great-grandchildren, Cole and Grant Cramer, and Kaid and Peach Hunter.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Howard Hayes and Chuck Conrad; her grandson, Joshua Hayes; her granddaughter, Marisa Winnie; and her stepson, Klint Conrad.

Gladys was a very devoted wife, mom, grandma and great-grandma, and she loved and cherished her family. Her home was full of family pictures, and she kept up with everyone's lives and milestones. She always called everyone to sing them happy birthday.

Her family wishes to thank Mountain Glen Retirement and Assisted Living for the wonderful and loving care they provided.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the Seattle Children's Hospital Foundation.

Seattle Children's Foundation
M/S 818-F
PO Box 5371
Seattle, WA 98145-5005