Sally Hapner

She was born October 9, 1936, in Salt Lake City, UT to Dr. Wayne A. Hayes and Gertrude Vivien Hayes (nee Hobba.) Growing up along with her sister, Mary Jane, the family followed their father through his army postings. Sally was graduated from The University of Wichita with a Bachelor of Art Education from the College of Fine Arts in 1959.

It was at Fort Leavenworth, KS where she met her husband, Max G. Hapner where he was director of Summer Youth Activities and Sally, the Arts and Crafts instructor. They were married on post at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas in June of 1957. He promised her, literally, a life of magic that may not always be easy but would never be dull. They were partners in every way for 54 years until Max’s death in May of 2011.

In that 54 years, Max developed a renown magic act with Salli as his assistant. Salli said her job description was fitting into spaces two inches smaller than she was. She did this with a wardrobe change in the middle of the magic trick! They travelled throughout the country performing at school assemblies and evening shows. Their “Bubbles, Bangles and Beads” act drew critical acclaim. Salli spent years popping out of boxes, baskets, bubbles, and being levitated in air. (What one does for her husband!)

During the summers, while Max performed at the North Pole in Colorado, Sally managed the stained glass shop, creating many of the stained glass items. After retiring, Sally taught reading to elementary students.

Sally was a member of the First Christian Church (Disciples in Christ), Colorado Springs, serving as an elder. She was supporter, along with Max, of the Tennyson Center for Children.

Sally had a passion for reading at a very early age, that continued through the years and in a very lively book club. She loved reading in her final days.

Sally is survived by her sister, Mary Jane Mercer of Antelope, CA, and six nieces and nephews. She leaves behind many merry and fond memories with family and many friends.

Sally will be buried alongside her husband at Evergreen Cemetery, Colorado Springs, CO.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity in honor of Sally.

A graveside service for Sally will be held Tuesday, May 13, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Evergreen Cemetery, 1005 Hancock Expy, Colorado Springs, CO 80903. A memorial service will occur Tuesday, May 27, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Swan-Law Funeral Directors, 501 North Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903. A reception will occur Tuesday, May 27, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Swan-Law Funeral Directors, 501 North Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903.