Jean Elenora (Blackford) Hayes, 92, of Galion, Ohio, passed away peacefully in her home on November 18, 2025. The daughter of Ralph Virgil Blackford and Miriam Beatrice (Dapper) Blackford, Jean was born on April 23, 1933, at her parents’ home in Sandusky Township, Crawford County, Ohio.
After graduating from North Robinson High School in 1951, Jean took a position as a secretary at Gehl Harvester in Bucyrus, Ohio. She then worked as a billing clerk at F. J. Egner & Son, Inc., transporters of petroleum and other liquid products, in Galion, Ohio. For several years, Jean served as the secretary of the Galion Community Center YMCA before accepting a position as a medical transcriptionist for the Medical Records Department at Galion Community Hospital until her retirement in 1992.
One of the highlights of her life was marrying Kenneth Eugene (Gene) Hayes on February 17, 1952, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in North Robinson, Ohio. For 66 years they enjoyed living on the Brandt Road family farm where they raised their three children — David, Debra, and Dennis. Once their children were grown, Jean and Gene purchased a condo in Fort Myers, Florida, where they enjoyed spending their winters for more than 20 years.
Jean was a dedicated member of First Lutheran Church in Galion, Ohio, serving as a Sunday School teacher and as a church council member for many years. She was also a member of Twig #5 Galion Community Hospital Auxiliary and served in various officer roles.
Jean was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her brothers – Marvin, Lloyd, and John Blackford – her sister Ireta Ruth, her infant sister Evelyn Blackford, and her friend of 78 years Marian Huggins. She is survived by her children David (Christine) Hayes, Debra (Michael) Bing, and Dennis Hayes; grandchildren Alex Hayes, Austin Hayes, Brandon Hayes, Heather (Brian) Griesbach, Scott Bing, Ryan Bing, and Casey (Seth) Krabill; great-grandchildren Nathan and Austin Krabill; sisters-in-law Jean Blackford and Barbara Blackford; and many other close family and friends.
The family is especially grateful to the SouthernCare Hospice staff and Jean’s comfort care team who provided her with loving and compassionate care.
Please join Jean’s family on Tuesday November 25, 2025 for calling hours from 9:30 Am – 11:00 AM followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM at First Lutheran Church, 127 S. Columbus Street, Galion, Ohio. Immediately following she will be buried at Fairview Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Lutheran Church in Galion, Ohio.
Richardson Davis Chapel of Snyder Funeral Homes in Galion is honored to serve the family of Jean Hayes, and condolences may be made to them at www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Home Richardson Davis Chapel
Website: snyderfuneralhomes.com