1/27/1929 – 3/18/2026
Lawrence
Della May Hayden Hadley passed away March 18, 2026, at Presbyterian Manor, Lawrence, Kansas at the age of 97. She lived a life of purpose in support of those on the margins of society, fighting for civil rights, fair housing, and the equal rights amendment. She had a quick wit, a ready smile, and kind words for all.
Della was born January 27, 1929, in Lawrence to Will H. and Mary R. Hayden. She is survived by her younger sister Vera Dellwig, and was predeceased by her older sisters Martha Milleret, Lucille Hansen and Pauline Nunemaker, all of Lawrence. She grew up on a farm in North Lawrence with her four sisters. She attended Oak Ridge School in Grant Township and graduated from Liberty Memorial High School, Lawrence KS in 1946.
Della met Stephen D. Hadley at KU, and they were married in 1948 in Danforth Chapel on the KU campus. They lived briefly in Milwaukee and two years at Purdue University where she earned her degree in Political Science. They made their home in Kansas City, Missouri until Steve’s retirement in 1983 and then returned to Lawrence. Steve died in 1990.
Della and Steve were active in Fellowship House, an interracial community group in Kansas City. Della served as President of the Missouri League of Women Voters. She was elected to the Kansas City School Board in 1970 and to three terms (1975-80) in the Missouri House of Representatives. After returning to Lawrence, she was active for many years in the Lawrence African Violet Club. She also participated in the Extension Homemakers Unit and attended the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Lawrence.
She is survived by her four children: Susan Rothschild (Sandy) of St. Louis MO; Kathleen Taylor (Jeremy) of Lawrence; Thomas Hadley (Barbara) of Kansas City MO; and Stanton Hadley (Rosalie) of Knoxville TN. Della has 10 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
The family would like to express its appreciation to the staff at Presbyterian Manor, Lawrence for the kindness and consideration they gave to Della in her final years. Memorial contributions may be made to the League of Women Voters of Lawrence-Douglas County, PO Box 1072, Lawrence KS 66044. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are with Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home of Lawrence.
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