Janet Louise Hayes

With faith in God and gratitude for a life well lived, we announce the passing of Janet Louise (Smith) (Duffy) Hayes, who entered eternal rest on May 24, 2026, at the age of 88, while under the compassionate care of Hospice at Adena Regional Medical Center in Chillicothe.

Janet was born on April 26, 1938, in Dayton, Kentucky, to Helen (Nutter) and Arthur Smith. A devoted follower of Jesus Christ, she lived a life rooted in love, compassion, and generosity. Janet was a longtime member of First Baptist Church Jackson and, in recent years, volunteered as pianist for First Baptist Church Coalton. She found great joy in worship and fellowship at both churches and deeply loved and appreciated her church families.

Janet graduated from Jackson High School in 1956. Soon after graduation, she was swept away by the love of her life, Lon L. Hayes, beginning a new chapter as a devoted Navy wife. She embraced the opportunity to travel the world, experience new cultures, meet new people, and worship with fellow believers wherever the Navy stationed them.

One of the highlights of those years was singing with the Sixth Fleet Singers, performing throughout Europe including Italy, Germany, and Yugoslavia. One of her fondest memories from this time was a performance in Munich, Germany, for the 1972 Olympics.

After Lon retired from the Navy, they returned to Jackson, where Janet transitioned to the life of a faithful farm wife. She embraced farm life wholeheartedly—caring for pigs, cows, and chickens; baling hay; mowing acres of grass; tending the garden; surviving the occasional head-butt from a calf; managing a pair of cantankerous pet geese; caring for her beloved dogs; and feeding any stray animal fortunate enough to wander onto her property.

Janet enjoyed using her musical abilities to serve the Lord by singing and playing piano in numerous churches. She volunteered her time to assist with the Class of 1956 reunions, was a dedicated member of the Garden Lovers Club for many years, and also served as church secretary for two churches in Jackson. She truly cherished family and believed deeply in the blessings of faith, prayer, and community.

Janet is survived by her children, Lisa (Joe) Fresquez and Mark (Donna) Hayes; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; her brother, Robert M. Duffy II (Bernice) Duffy; two nieces and one nephew; her dear friend Bonnie Hall; cherished high school friends Pat Clay and Janice Osborne; Gary Childers, who was like a second son to her; and many treasured friends across the country and around the world.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband of 53 years, Lon L. Hayes; and her brother, Donald E. Duffy.

Though our hearts grieve, we find comfort in the promise of eternal life and in knowing that Janet is now at peace in the presence of the Lord. Janet will be remembered for her steadfast faith, generous heart, joyful spirit, and deep love for both people and animals.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 5, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Jackson with Pastors Seth Fallon and Andy Rawlins officiating. Family and friends are invited to attend and share in a time of prayer and remembrance. Honoring her wishes, her ashes will be joined with Lon’s ashes, and together they will be scattered on the farm they cherished and loved so dearly.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made to the Jackson County Dog Shelter, located at 248 Reservoir Road, Jackson, Ohio. Janet may also be honored by giving your pet, your neighbor’s pet, or any other stray animal that happens to cross your path, a special treat or a hug so they know they are loved.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Lewis & Gillum Funeral Home of Jackson. Online condolences may be sent to www.lewisgillum.com.