Guy Thomas Hayws
Guy Thomas Hayes of Grove City, Ohio, passed away on October 21, 2026. He was born on June 8, 1940 in Caldwell, Ohio to the late Earl Hayes and Ruth Gleason. Guy is survived by his Wife, Marilyn Hayes; Sons, Brian (Pam) Hayes, and Brent Hayes; Twin Granddaughters, Brylynn and Catelynn; Brother, Jack (Shirley) Hayes; and Sisters, Mary Clark, Mable Schott, and Nancy (James) Wells. He was preceded in death by his brother, Dick; and sisters Hazel and Linda.
Guy retired from Columbia Gas after more than 30 years of dedicated service. Alongside his career, Guy was an avid farmer, tending more than 400 acres while raising two boys and an everchanging parade of horses, cattle, sheep, goats, chickens, and rabbits. The boys often joked that if it walked, crawled, or made noise, their dad would eventually bring it home — and somehow they’d end up feeding it.
Through all those years on the farm, Guy had a loyal lineup of sidekick dogs who never left his heels: Silver, Charlie, Cocoa, Georgie, and Maxie. Each one took their turn riding shotgun in the truck, supervising chores, and keeping Guy company in the fields. The boys liked to say the dogs were the only ones who truly understood Dad’s “system” — and even they weren’t always sure.
He and Marilyn were married for 60 years, having just celebrated their anniversary on October 5th. Marilyn and Guy grew up together in Noble County. She first knew of Guy through the local community Saturday night square dances but their first official meeting came when Guy stopped by her parents’ home to ask if they could overnight the horses — the corn harvest had run long, and the horses were tired and night was falling. It was the kind of beginning that fit them perfectly: a little chaotic, a little funny, and timed right at the start of harvest season when life was busiest and hearts were warmest.
After high school, Guy built farm silos before entering the U.S. Army, where he proudly served as a PFC stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. When he returned home, him and his buddies went to the local square dance, where he spotted Marilyn, and ended the night by driving her home. From there, their whirlwind romance spun faster than a well called dosido, carrying them through six decades of love, family, and partnership.
Guy’s greatest joy was never found in the acres he farmed or the work he accomplished, but in the family he loved so deeply. Though his boots have walked their last field and his faithful dogs no longer follow at his heels, his kindness, humor, and unwavering devotion will remain in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be dearly missed and forever loved.
Friends may visit on Sunday October 25, 2026 from 1:00-3:30 p.m., with a Prayer Service starting at 3:30 p.m., at The Spence-Miller Funeral Home 2697 Columbus St. Grove City, Ohio, where a Funeral Service will take place on Monday, October 26 at 10:30 a.m., with Rev. Fr. Joe Yokum and Deacon Michael Sowers presiding. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. Arrangements completed with The Spence-Miller Funeral Home Grove City, where online condolences may be left at www.spencemillerfuneralhome.com