Erin Hayes

ARCANUM -- Erin R. Hayes, age 45, of Arcanum, passed away on Friday, October 10, 2025, at her home. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Lloyd and Autumn Nietert, and Merlin and Wilma Osswald. She was born on October 27, 1979, in Dayton, Ohio, to Pamela (Nietert) Neff of Greenville and Brian Osswald of Indianapolis.

In addition to her parents, Erin is survived by her husband, Matt Hayes; her son, Wyatt Hayes of Arcanum; her stepfather, Dennis Neff; her siblings, Eric (Jessica) Osswald of Greenville and their children, Jacob (Madelyn) Osswald and Trevor Osswald; her great niece, Stella Osswald; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Erin also leaves behind her St. Bernard, Ellie.

After Highschool, she attended Wright State University receiving a bachelor's degree. However, Erin never stopped learning about the world and expanding her knowledge of everything. She would say, "education is something that can never be taken away". She was a teacher and always put other's needs before her own. She cared for everyone, loved to talk to anyone who was willing, and was always kind. She loved animals and was a big advocate for animal adoption and was a conservationist at heart.

A memorial service celebrating the life of Erin, will be held at 11AM on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Brethren Retirement Community Chapel, 750 Chestnut St., Greenville, Ohio 45331, with Pastor Troy Dearsing officiating. The family will be receiving guests on Saturday from 10AM until the time of the service.

The family requests that instead of flowers, donations should be made to the Jane Goodall Foundation by visiting https://janegoodall.org, or to Help The Animals, Inc in Richmond, Indiana by visiting https://helptheanimalsinc.com. If you still desire to send flowers, they may be delivered to the BRC on Saturday between 9AM and 10AM.

For additional information and to view Erin's online obituary and memorial tribute, please visit www.churchfuneralsdirect.com.