TIVERTON- Carolyn Lea Hays, 79, passed away Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at The Ohio State University Medical Center in Columbus.

She was born November 23, 1946, in Coshocton to the late Rutherford B. and Beatrice Caroline (Hosler) Hays. She was a 1964 graduate of Warsaw High School, and worked as a secretary in Columbus through the 1960’s. She earned an associate's degree in Horticulture from The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute in Wooster and completed her internship at Calloway Gardens in Georgia. She worked in the landscaping department for Mrs. Montgomery at Roscoe Village for 25 years (1975-2000); two years at Fire Ridge Golf Course in Millersburg; and her last five years before retirement at Schnormeier Gardens in Gambier.

Carolyn loved to travel, having visited all 50 states and every continent except Antarctica. She enjoyed hiking and reading, and was very proud to have been the 5th generation of her family to live on the Hays farm.

She is survived by her wife, Carolyn Mann of Tiverton, who has been her partner for 40 years; and a cousin, Sue (Bart) Horn of Mt. Vernon.In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a cousin, Donald Hays.

A Celebration of Life will take place in the Spring of next year. Fischer Funeral Home in Warsaw is handling arrangements. FischerFuneralHome.com 

Carolyn was known to contribute to many various environmental causes. Memorial donations in her memory are encouraged to an environmental charity of the donor’s choice.