Eva Maria Hayes

Eva Maria Hayes, age 10, of Randolph, Ohio, ran into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Akron Children’s Hospital. Just two days earlier, she had been diagnosed with AML, a rare form of leukemia. Though her time here was far too short, Eva filled every single day with creativity, light, laughter, love, swimming, skating, handstands, making cookies and zero amounts of work! Her two dressers are completely full of toys, crafts, nature collections and art supplies, while her clothes are in piles on the floor.

Born April 21, 2015, in Akron, Ohio, Eva was the cherished daughter of Jeremiah and Elizabeth Hayes, and beloved sister to Jeremiah and Livi Hayes. She was a beautiful soul with an amazing personality - equal parts tender-hearted, creative and adventurous. She loved being outside, always barefoot with “permanently dirty feet,” soaking in every bit of sunshine. She was always making grass, leaf and wildflower bouquets tied with pieces of grass. Her days were filled with drawing, painting and loving her animals - a mini horse, two German shepherds and two bunny rabbits - but graciously allowing her sister Livi to do all of her chores.

Eva’s laughter was contagious, especially when she was with her friends Adaline and Naomi. Together, they could fill a house with joy, giggles and belly laughs that warmed every heart around them. She thrived in play, whether with others or content on her own, and brought fun into every space she entered. Chores, however, were not her favorite - Eva was never shy about trying to escape dish duty, animal chores, or folding laundry, often with a dramatic frown that couldn’t hide the sparkle in her eyes.

She loved attending Vacation Bible School at The Chapel in Marlboro, and she loved going to church and would run when they released the “JAMmers” (Jesus and Me) for Sunday school. Her favorite Bible verse was 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” It was a truth she carried in her heart and lived out in her courage, kindness, and unwavering joy. Her favorite Bible was a ragged old children’s Bible of stories that we read daily, and she had stored in her heart.

She really, really loved all of her family and playing hard with all of her cousins. Athens fam, North Carolina fam, and Akron fam - she loved you.

Eva loved listening to country music and Christian music constantly, especially Morgan Wallen, Florida Georgia Line, Brandon Lake, Phil Whickam, Cory Asbury, Forrest Frank, and more while she was swimming or creating something.

Eva is survived by her parents, Jeremiah and Elizabeth Hayes; her brother, Jeremiah; her sister, Livi; her grandparents; her aunts, uncles, and cousins; and countless friends who will forever treasure her memory.

From Jeremiah: Eva was always my faithful sidekick. No matter what even when i was wrong she was always on my side. She would be down for almost anything and everything, she would always hangout with me and my friends and the memories we all have with her are amazing. She wasnt soft at all she would do all types of rough games and ideas with me, she wasnt ever scared of really getting hurt as long as we all had fun. She would always be my go-to and usually always my first option. Me and Eva were the best duo, when we wanted something, we would find a way to get it. When we were together there was no stopping us. She brought happiness and joy to our house. Without Eva, our huse will feel so plain, she was the one who held the balance, she was friends with everyone and even though she wasn't trying, she kept everything together and always made my day better. I could never ask for a better sister and friend.

Family and friends are invited to calling hours on Thursday, August 21, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at The Chapel in Marlboro (8700 Edison St NE, Louisville, OH 44641). A Celebration of her Life will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a procession to Hillside Cemetery (1701 Hartville Rd, Mogadore, OH 44260). Lunch for everyone will follow back at The Chapel.

In lieu of flowers and in honor of Eva’s life, her family encourages you to remember her by laughing loudly, letting your kids make messes and to do those things with them, loving deeply, never judging, putting the phone down more while your kids are reading to you and talking to you, and living each day with the joy Eva so freely gave. Be in the moment with your kids and loved ones because it is all we have.

To share a memory of Eva or leave a special message for her family, visit the guest book below.