Catherine Olive Hayden, 90 years old, was a lifelong native of Salida, CO. She was born July 7, 1935, at 738 G Street to Ted and Nellie (Starbuck) Judge. She passed away on May 23, 2026, at Columbine Manor.
She attended Longfellow elementary school at the age of 6, then went on to Kesner Junior High School and Salida High School where she graduated with the class of 1953.
She married Don Hayden in Raton, New Mexico, October 20, 1956. This is the “place” where several of their friends were also married. They had three children, Janette, James and Mary Hayden.
She worked for a brief time for Hay Studio, retouching negatives and removing white spots on the photos. Then she worked as a secretary for the Farmers Home Administration for a few years. She then went to work for her husband, Don, at D.C. Hayden Distributing of Monarch Dairy. She then went to work for the City of Salida as the Utility Billing Clerk, sending out water and sewer bills. She retired on September 30, 1994, at the age of 59 ½ years old from the City.
She spent a lot of time reading and being active in the United Methodist Church. She loved watching horse racing on T.V. She also loved playing the Nickel slots. After Don’s death in February of 1996, she never had to watch the Denver Broncos or the Sports Center again!
She is preceded in death by her parents, in-laws, husband, siblings, Irene Carter, Ted Judge Jr., Edith Rout, Josephine Walker & Doris Donkle; and her son James Daniel Hayden and her grandson Daniel James Hayden.
She is survived by her daughters Janette and Mary, several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial graveside services will be performed in the near future at Fairview Cemetery for family and friends.
In lieu of flowers please donate to Ark Valley Humane Society in Buena Vista, CO.
Arrangements are with Lewis and Glenn Funeral Home, Salida, CO.
Online condolences can be offered through .
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Catherine O. Hayden, please visit our Tree Store.
