Jennifer Dawn Hayes, 53, of Elyria, went to be with her Lord and Savior, on Saturday, September 8, 2023. Born on February 7, 1970, in Lorain, she was the daughter of Deborah A Tomco (nee Fazekas) and the late John J. Garza. Jennifer grew up in Wellington and attended Wellington High School where she held various records in track and cross country.

Family and friends described her as fearless. Jennifer was a strong-minded person who was always true to herself. She could light up any room that she walked in with her beautiful smile and contagious laugh. Jennifer was a loving mother and grandmother. She was selfless-she would give the shirt off her back to help someone in need and didn't have a mean bone in her body. She was continuously nice and kind to everyone. Jennifer loved to cook and made the best spaghetti and chicken alfredo. She enjoyed getting dressed up, having her nails and hair done and spending time in the sun.

Survivors include her mother, Deborah A. Tomco; step father, David Baker, of Florida; children, Michael (Alexandria) Cyrus, of Oberlin, Nathaniel Cyrus, of Amherst, Bryan Cyrus, of Lodi, Savannah Draudt, of Missouri, Hayley Garza, of Oberlin, Austin Hayes, of Vermillion, Kaydance Hayes, of Amherst, and Starjenna Hayes, of Amherst; 12 grandchildren; siblings Melissa A. Garza of Amherst and David J. Baker, of Elyria. Jennifer was preceded in death by her father John J. Garza; sons Devin and Timothy Hayes; and sister, Victoria M. Harvey.

Friends and family will be received on Saturday, September 16, from 1-3 p.m. with a service beginning at 3 at Norton-Eastman Funeral Home, 370 South Main Street, Wellington. Pastor Jim Duelly will officiate.