Brenda Gale Hayes

Brenda Gale Hayes, 81, of Fairfield, Ohio passed away peacefully on April 11, 2026, in Plainfield, Indiana.

Brenda was born on September 1, 1944, in New Straitsville, Ohio to Helen Smith (Fry) and Charles Smith. She lived a life full of sports enthusiasm, travel and devotion to family.

Brenda graduated third in her class from New Straitsville-Shawnee High School in 1962. Upon graduation, Brenda moved to Columbus, Ohio to begin her career in customer service. She cherished the opportunity to be a stay-at-home mother before returning to her customer service career, working for such companies as Avon, Global Industries and United Stationers until her retirement in 2009.

Brenda was a living example of unconditional love who devoted her life to her children. Brenda cherished the love and support of her best friends Joyce and Wilma of Fairfield, Ohio. She was known for her sharp wit and biting sarcasm. She enjoyed watching her beloved Ohio State Buckeyes as well as the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cincinnati Reds and Kansas Jayhawks (Rock chalk!), attending the March Madness games with her family in various cities for 32 years in a row from 1987 to 2018. Brenda loved to travel and took many trips with friends and family. Her daughter, Lori, saw to it that she visited all 50 states before her travelling days were over. Brenda spent her retirement years hanging out with her best friend and grandpup, Jack, who preceded her in death by one week.

Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, Helen Smith and Charles Smith; and her aunts, Carol Allen and Jo Arnold.

Brenda is survived by her four children, Mark (Heather) Hayes of Ross, Ohio, Eric (Carrie Garber) Hayes of Coronado, California, Jill (Steve) Santoro of Plainfield, Indiana and Lori (Scott) Henley of Beech Grove, Indiana, as well as her four grandchildren, Jackson and Avery Hayes and Lauren and Sarah Santoro; and siblings Chuck Smith of Logan, Ohio and Sheryl Nutter of Washington Courthouse, Ohio; as well as her grandpups Sam and Howser.

In honor of Brenda’s wishes, no funeral service will be held.

Flowers may be sent to the Santoro family, 7693 Amber Turn, Plainfield, Indiana 46168.

Please visit www.orileybranson.com to leave a memory of Brenda or to sign our online guest book.