Maya Michelle Staples

Our feisty, fearless, fantastic Maya passed away on November 18th from injuries sustained in an auto-pedestrian accident. She was 16.

Born on December 7, 2005, Maya is the youngest child to Joe and Kim Staples of Centerville, Utah, and is the favorite little sister of Dani Shelley (Kelton), and Jackson (Tara), Eric, and Luke Staples.

She loved her friends fiercely and gathered people around her with a radiant smile and vivacious personality. She collected friends from Viewmont High School, Career Path High School, and from Arctic Circle, where she worked. Maya was kind to everyone, especially those unaccustomed to kindness from others. She facilitated friendships, bringing groups of people together who otherwise might never have met.

She enjoyed animals and liked taking care of neighbors’ pets while neighbors were out of town. Her neighbors’ pets have been known to run out of their homes to Maya when they spotted her coming home. She volunteered at Best Friends Animal Society and hoped to work with animals one day, but made it clear she didn’t want to be a vet – she couldn’t stand to see animals in pain. She loved to sing and performed in several school productions.

Maya was a bold advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and spent much of her time at Encircle Salt Lake City, which provides a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth. A talented artist, she loved going to Encircle on Wednesdays for Art Night.

Maya is survived by her parents, nieces, and nephews whom she loved dearly, her big sister, and her three big brothers. Her living grandparents are Mike Anderson, Pam Anderson, and Lynette Staples. She is preceded in death by her dog Lily. We bet they’re enjoying a happy reunion.

Memorial Services will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, November 21, 2022 at Lindquist’s Bountiful Mortuary, 727 N. 400 E. Bountiful, where friends and family may gather from 4:00-6:00 p.m. prior to the service. The services will be live-streamed.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating at bestfriends.org or at encircletogether.org. 

Condolences may be shared at www.lindquistmortuary.com

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