Claire Gae Barrus was born October 15, 1931, in Tooele, Utah, a daughter of Foster J. and Lois Sanders Barrus. Though born during the Great Depression, Gae enjoyed a happy childhood in Tooele, where she grew up with her older brother and two older sisters. She attended local schools and in 1949 graduated from Tooele High School, where her father was a history teacher.
Gae met her husband, Louis M. Haynie, while attending the University of Utah. Gae and Lou were married August 17, 1951, in the Salt Lake Temple. After living for a short time in Idaho after Lou finished his law degree, Gae and Lou spent the rest of their married life in the Salt Lake area, where they raised their family. Gae was a busy young mother with five children born within six years. Ten years later she gave birth to twin boys.
Gae enjoyed having a tidy home and would often pronounce that “the kitchen is closed” after she had cleaned up for the evening (which often became an invitation for Lou to bake a cake).
Gae and Lou had BYU football season tickets for years, suffering through many Saturday afternoon games during BYU’s “lean years.”
Gae had a great sense of style in both her wardrobe and home décor. She loved hamburgers, watching “As the World Turns” as she ironed, romance novels, Korean soap operas, and traveling. One of her favorite trips was to China with three of her daughters. She was very patriotic. She would tear up at parades when marching bands passed by (she played the saxophone in the Tooele High band). She excelled at celebrating the Christmas season, going overboard with decorations and ensuring that her kids had wonderful Christmas memories.
Gae was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she faithfully served in many callings. She is defined by her life of sacrifice for her children and family. Many generations will benefit from her example and faith in the Lord.
Gae is survived by her children, Robyn (Jeff) Gold, Susan (Jack) Earl, Joseph (Denise), Carolee (Russ) Bringhurst, Laurie (Mark McKinlay), Matthew (Erin), Michael (Suzette), 25 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother George Barrus, sisters Marjorie Brunson and Marilyn Russell, and grandson Sam Earl.
A graveside service will be held Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 11:00 am at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary, 3401 S Highland Drive, Millcreek, Utah.
