Della May Hayden Hadley, a distinguished American politician and tireless advocate for civil rights, fair housing, and the Equal Rights Amendment, passed away on March 18, 2026, at Presbyterian Manor in Lawrence, Kansas, at the age of 97. Her life was marked by a profound commitment to public service and a steadfast dedication to improving the lives of those on the margins of society. She leaves behind a legacy of purpose, integrity, and a deep impact on both her community and the state of Missouri.

Born Della May Hayden on January 27, 1929, in Lawrence, Kansas, she was the daughter of Will H. and Mary R. Hayden. She grew up on a farm in North Lawrence alongside her four sisters, attending Oak Ridge School in Grant Township and graduating from Liberty Memorial High School in Lawrence in 1946. Her early years instilled in her a strong sense of community and a drive to contribute meaningfully to society.

Her pursuit of knowledge led her to the University of Kansas and later to Purdue University, where she earned a degree in Political Science. In 1948, she married Stephen D. Hadley in Danforth Chapel on the KU campus, beginning a partnership that would last over four decades. The couple briefly resided in Milwaukee and West Lafayette, Indiana, before making their home in Kansas City, Missouri, where they raised their four children.

In Kansas City, Della Hadley became an active participant in civic life, notably with Fellowship House, an interracial community group. Her leadership qualities were recognized early, leading her to serve as President of the Missouri League of Women Voters. A pivotal moment in her career came as the lead plaintiff in the landmark 1970 Supreme Court case, Hadley v. Junior College District of Metropolitan Kansas City, a significant "one-man-one-vote" case that affirmed the principle of equal representation.

Her dedication to education and community governance led to her election to the Kansas City School Board in 1970. During her tenure, she championed policies aimed at ensuring equitable opportunities for all students. Her work on the school board laid the groundwork for her broader political aspirations and her continued fight for social justice.

In 1974, Della Hadley was first elected to the Missouri House of Representatives, serving three terms from 1975 to 1981. Representing the 31st district, she was a prominent voice for progressive causes. One of her primary legislative goals was to secure Missouri's ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, a cause she passionately advocated for throughout her time in office.

After her husband Stephen's retirement in 1983, the couple returned to Lawrence, Kansas. Even in retirement from formal politics, Della remained deeply engaged in her community. She was an active member of the Lawrence African Violet Club, participated in the Extension Homemakers Unit, and was a devoted attendee of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Lawrence.

Della May Hayden Hadley is survived by her four children: Susan Rothschild (Sandy) of St. Louis, Missouri; Kathleen Taylor (Jeremy) of Lawrence, Kansas; Thomas Hadley (Barbara) of Kansas City, Missouri; and Stanton Hadley (Rosalie) of Knoxville, Tennessee. She also leaves behind 10 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren, as well as her younger sister, Vera Dellwig. She was preceded in death by her husband, Stephen, and three older sisters. Her family expressed profound gratitude for the compassionate care she received at Presbyterian Manor. Memorial contributions may be made to the League of Women Voters of Lawrence-Douglas County.