Donna Hellyer May 3, 1933 – June 17, 2020

Donna Hellyer, a beloved resident of Hayden, CO died on June 17th, 2020 at the age of 87 at Walbridge Wing at Pioneers Medical Center in Meeker, CO.

Donna is survived by her children Kathy Johnson, David Hellyer, Denise(George) Molina, Mary Croswhite, Jackie(Pete) Heuer and Chris Johnson. She is survived by her many grandchildren Teri Wiley, Danielle(Nate) Campbell, Derek(Patti) Adams, Amelia(Jarrod) Hellyer/Dauper, Thomas Hellyer and Bryce Johnson, 6 great grandchildren and 5 great great grandchildren who all loved her dearly.

Donna was born in Denver on May 3rd, 1933 to Denny and Amelia (Millie) Coursey. She was an only child and constantly said that she was so spoiled and such a daddy’s girl. She graduated from Holy Family Catholic School where she met and married William (Bill) Hellyer on May 24th, 1952. Bill joined the Navy and was stationed in San Diego where their first child was born; they moved back to Hayden in 1956 where they raised all 6 kids on the Bolton Ranch just outside of Hayden now known as the Delaney Ranch. During this time she was involved in the 4-H programs, as well as running sleigh rides, fishing and hunting camps known as All Seasons Guest Ranch. She loved spending many hours in her yard, garden, flower beds and taking care of their many animals. Once all of her children graduated Bill and Donna divorced in 1981 and she moved to Breckenridge and ran a stable/hayride business, Alpine Adventures which eventually led to her moving to a little town Montezuma, CO which she always gave directions as “7 miles and 100 years outside of Keystone.” She continued with her stable business as well as opening a Bed & Breakfast known as Granny’s for 18 years. Donna was involved in the Summit County Planning Commission and received many awards and plaques for her dedication. Donna returned to Hayden in 1999 where she jumped in and involved herself in the Routt County Planning Commission, Hayden Town Planning Commission, Routt County Tourism and Routt County Historical Society. She also worked for the Hayden Heritage Museum during the summer months and it was definitely a true passion of hers to share Hayden’s history. In the winter months she worked for Steamboat Chamber of Commerce information booth at Yampa Valley Regional Airport and loved greeting visitors and giving them information and always had candy for the kids. She also enjoyed dressing up to celebrate the holidays and was a great asset to the welcoming of our tourism population.

Donna was loved by all who met her. Routt County and Hayden should be forever grateful for the time, energy and passion she spent on making them into a community we all should be proud of. A memorial is planned to celebrate her legacy on September, 19th, at 10am at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Craig with a mass, and then a Celebration of Donna’s life at the Hayden Granary at 2pm please come and share your stories. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Hayden Heritage Museum; Po Box 543, Hayden, CO 81639 in Donna’s name.