Haynes was born in 1918 and spent her childhood with her twin brother Leonard, in Aberlour Orphanage, Banffshire, later moving to Lanark, where she married John S. Gray (who was also a former Aberlour Orphanage resident - see: Haste Ye Back). She had 4 children - Alison, Micheal, Leonard and Ian. The former two of whom both died from cystic fibrosis.

Haynes worked extensively in support of Girl Guides movement and remained involved with Aberlour Orphanage until its closure. She published the autobiographical novel Haste Ye Back in 1973 in memory of her time there.

She was diagnosed with breast cancer, and died in December 1987.