Sophia Jane-Marie Hayes was born on February 28, 2017, in St. George, Utah. She was brought to her loving home and community in Apple Valley, UT. Many people fell instantly in love with her there! In her final years she lived in Newcastle, UT where she was also loved fiercely. She passed away peacefully in the arms of her family, at Primary Children's Hospital in Lehi, on March 28, 2025. Sophia was born with a rare genetic and degenerative neurological condition called pontocerebellar hypoplasia. This tragic day had been expected her whole life, but she defied expectations and achieved milestones that went beyond her prognosis. We already miss her so much.

We were gifted 8 beautiful years of memories with her! She required 24-hour care throughout her entire life, and she was worth every minute. Her mother was her primary and constant caregiver. She took Sophie on adventures and outings and gave her an amazing quality of life. Sophia also had a team of nurses, doctors, and specialists that seemed to be ever expanding as her condition progressed. We would not have the memories with Sophie that we do, without these amazing people. Sophia had a fragile body, but a strong heart and a spirit that was brighter than the sun. She lit up every room!

Throughout her life, she always had a smile. Her mother discovered her infectious giggle, and her father learned how to always bring it out of her - even in her final days.

Sophia never caused harm to any living thing. She harbored no judgement. She didn't care about beauty, money, or personal choices. She had pure love for anyone who would smile or talk to her. Her favorite things were being outside, snuggling, and swimming. Oh, how she loved to swim! She would just light up any time she touched the water. She loved the voices of all of her siblings and would often turn toward them when they spoke.

Despite nearly constant and often uncomfortable treatments, being strapped to machines, and being poked and prodded in order to discover how to best care for her, she almost never cried. In February, she spent 2 weeks at Primary Children's Hospital. Her life was saved by intubation on her 8th birthday. After returning home for 10 days, a helicopter landed in front of our house to bring her back to the safety of the hospital. We hoped for the best but soon learned it would be impossible for Sophie to come back home. She spent her final week surrounded by her family in a relatively quiet room in a corner of the ICU.

When she was removed from life support, she slowly slipped away in relative peace and comfort. She was in the arms of her loving parents, surrounded by all her siblings. Her dad said that it felt like someone had just turned off the sun.

We are happy for Sophia; she has reached her earthly journey's end. She is free. She is with our Savior, Jesus Christ and countless family members that surely missed her while she was here on earth. She will be greatly missed by those left behind, who were touched by her light.

She is survived by her brothers: Mason Hayes (Kara), Jonah Hayes (Kalani), Michael Hobson, and Maxwell Hayes; her sister, Sarah Hobson; her mother, Jennie Hayes and her father, Jason Hayes.

Funeral services will be Saturday April 5, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the Metcalf Mortuary Chapel, 288 West St. George Blvd., St. George, Utah.  in St. George Utah. A viewing will be held Saturday, prior to services, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Mortuary.

Graveside service will follow at 3:00 p.m. at the Toquerville Cemetery and a late luncheon at 4:00 p.m. at the Toquerville LDS Church located at 63 North Toquerville Blvd, Toquerville UT  84774 .

The family requests that there are absolutely no photos or videos taken at the funeral home or cemetery. We can get an audio recording of the services for anyone who wants. We want to remember her life, not her death. Photos may be taken at the luncheon.

Some are asking how to help financially and so a GoFundMe was set up by a friend. GoFundMe - Sophia Hayes .

You may also send flowers for her funeral to the mortuary.

Or we would love for you to make a donation to Ronald McDonald House Charities using this link: https://give.classy.org/inmemoryofsophia . Her family was so grateful to spend so much time there during her life.

But the most important thing you can do, is remember Sophia's Christlike example. Fly high little dragonfly. We love you Soph!"

Sophia Hayes Funeral Service Program

Sophia Hayes Memorial Video