Mary Hayes Celebration of Life

June 6 was a rainy afternoon, but the mood was brightened by the scores of longtime locals who gathered in tents outside the Aspen Historical Society's Wheeler-Stallard house to celebrate the life of the late Mary Eshbaugh Hayes. The formalities were brief, as former Aspen Times editor Andy Stone reflected on Hayes' long tenure with the newspaper, as editor, reporter and Around Aspen columnist. Mostly, attendees exchanged stories and memories of Hayes' indelible impact while chronicling the town she called home for more than 50 years. Hayes' family, including her five children and numerous grandchildren, hosted the gathering. Many guests donned oversized glasses reminiscent of Hayes' trademark specs, which were being sold to benefit the historical society.