Mariah Ruth (Yourkowski) Haley

Mariah Ruth Haley, 32, passed away on July 8, 2026 battling a sudden illness her body could not fight off. She was born October 19, 1993, in Monterey, California, and was a resident of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Raised in a military family, Mariah’s early years were marked by frequent moves that helped shape the steady resilience and quiet strength that would remain with her throughout life. She was homeschooled until fifth grade, later attending The Classical Academy in Colorado Springs. She graduated from the College Pathways hybrid program in 2011 and went on to the University of Colorado Boulder, earning a B.A. in Speech Language and Hearing Sciences in May 2014.

Mariah built a life of meaningful work and generous service to others. She worked as a BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) with special needs children, contributed to specialized occupational therapy for driver safety, and also worked with animals—an enduring passion that reflected her kind-hearted nature and the care she so freely gave. She also volunteered for cleanup projects on Colorado Springs’ trails and public parks, offering her time selflessly in ways both seen and unseen.

On October 20, 2024, Mariah married Andrew Haley. She was the cherished daughter of Joel & Donna DeLuise Yourkowski, and the beloved sister of Kelsey Hammerschmidt (Nick Hammerschmidt), Ashley Oso (Obafemi Oso), and Dakota Yourkowski (Kaylee Yourkowski).

Mariah found joy in the simple, beautiful work of making and exploring: pyrography, knitting, kayaking, and fishing. She was rediscovering her faith in new and meaningful ways. She held a deep love for animals and the natural world, and she loved her pet dog, Jaxon, with all her heart. Alongside her steady compassion was a gift that so many will remember with gratitude—her humor. With an expert command of expressions, impressions, and accents, she could lift a room and leave people smiling long after the moment had passed.

Mariah consistently chose what was right, even when it required courage. She once intervened in an active shooter situation at her workplace to ensure her coworkers and customers were safe—an act that reflected her steadfast, faithful resolve and her instinct to protect others before herself. Her legacy is one of love expressed through action: in her work, her service, her laughter, and her unwavering care for those around her.

With thankful hearts, the family gives praise to God for every moment shared with Mariah and holds to the faith that she is now in His loving embrace. The family extends its deepest thanks to the friends and extended families of the Haley and Yourkowski families, whose support has helped carry them through this profound loss. They also wish to thank Mariah’s friends, whose presence and care have brought comfort and strength, and the staff of UCHealth Memorial Central Hospital for supporting them through an extremely difficult situation.

The Celebration of Life for Mariah will be held on Saturday, August 1st at 2:00 PM at Swan-Law Funeral Directors in Colorado Springs.

In the spirit of Mariah’s own words and the way she lived among others: “Be excellent to one another!”