Obituary of Stephen A. Hayes

Ashtabula- Stephen Andrew Hayes, 59, passed away at his home on Tuesday, June 28, 2022. A true gift to his parents, he was born on December 25, 1962 in Madison, Ohio the son of James T. and Coleta G. (Rowan) Hayes. Steve attended Harbor Schools growing up and graduated from Edgewood High School Class of 1981. Steve was a very valued employee of Ashta Chemicals, where he began as an operator 30 years ago and through hard work and dedication worked his way through the ranks to become the plant manager. His employers and family will recall Steve as punctual and organized with some OCD added in. He loved being outdoors, going golfing, camping and spending time at the beach with family and friends. Steve cherished spending time with children and grandchildren and loved to gather everyone for a BBQ or a party, where there was bound to be fireworks, and entertaining everyone with his dry and sarcastic humor. He was a no-nonsense guy and was sure to let everyone know he didn’t tolerate “stupidity!” Steve found special meaning while listening to Rock-Roll music. Back in the day you could also be find him on the dance floor of the Jewels Dance Hall, where he enjoyed line dancing. Steve also had a passion for weather and watching storms roll in off the lake and was a self-proclaimed amateur meteorologist. In the end, the one thing that was the light of his life, were the grandkids, whom he loved dearly, he was sure to be at ALL their activities and his life revolved around spending time with them every day. They brought him great joy and peace. Steve will be dearly missed by his family, including his daughters, Jaime Hayes and Heather Van Drei and son-in-law, Timothy Van Drei, whom he dedicated his life to; loving mother and step-father, Coleta and John Apryasz; his beloved grandchildren, Kaylynn, Kylee and Phoenix Van Drei, that lovingly called him “Pops,”; siblings, Terry (Jim) Wyman, Jimmy (Norma) Hayes, Tommy (Amy) Hayes, and Robbie (Jackie) Hayes; many nieces and nephews; many “honorary” grandkids that he loved like family; and many friends that will miss him. He was preceded in death by his father, James Hayes; and a sister, Tammy Hayes. A gathering of family of friends will take place, Tuesday, July 5, 2022 from 5-7PM at the Zaback-Williams-Ducro Funeral Home, 500 W. Prospect Rd., Ashtabula, where a celebration of life service will follow at 7:00PM. Following the service, a time food and fellowship will be held in the reception room. Online guestbook and condolences available at www.ducro.com