Ralph A Hayes

Ralph A. Hayes, 81, of Wellington died March 17, 2023, after an extended illness. He is survived by his wife of forty-nine years, Pauline (Denger) Hayes. Mr. Hayes is also survived by his son, Bradley (Nicole), and grandson, Henry, of Wellington; stepdaughter, Paula Marett of Cincinnati; sister JoAnn Hayes of Cleveland; and numerous nieces and nephews. Mr. Hayes was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Lucille (Puder) Hayes; his sister Sandra (Hayes) Bidlake; and brother-in-law Gail Bidlake.

A 1960 graduate of Wellington High School, Mr. Hayes served in the U.S. Army from 1961–1963. Following the service, he returned home to Ohio and began his career as an accountant working for several local manufacturing businesses, including Abex Corp., LaGrange Screw Products, and Wellington Gear & Screw Products, of which he was a founder and chief financial officer. Later in life, Mr. Hayes was an advertising salesman for the Wellington Enterprise, Oberlin News-Tribune, and Amherst News-Times.

Mr. Hayes was active in the community throughout his life. He served the people of Pittsfield Township as both Township Clerk and Trustee for nearly thirty years. He also acted as treasurer of the Herrick Memorial Library and the South Lorain County Ambulance District for numerous years. He was elected to three terms on the Wellington Board of Education and served as the first president of the Wellington Schools Endowment (a role he was proud to see his son assume several years later). He was also instrumental in the creation of several community organizations, including the Central Lorain County Joint Ambulance District, Main Street Wellington, and the Pittsfield Township Historical Society.

Mr. Hayes was known for his lifelong interest in local history and family genealogy. He was an avid collector and dealer of rare books, with a special interest in Ohioana, the Western Reserve, and American Indians. He also invested time and energy in caring for his family farm, which was first acquired by his grandparents and where Mr. Hayes resided his entire life (save for the years he spent in Germany with the Army).

Per Ralph’s wishes, there will be no funeral or visitation. Private interment services will be held at the East Pittsfield Cemetery at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Pittsfield Township Historical Society, P.O. Box 324, Wellington, OH 44090.

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