Scott Edward Hays

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Scott Edward Hays on January 25, 2025. Born on December 21, 1968, Scott was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend. He was preceded in death by his father, Duane Hays. Scott is survived by his loving mother, Carolyn Hays; his devoted sister, Lisa Rambo (James); and his caring brother, Jonathan Hays (Allison). He was a cherished uncle to Taylor Wiedemann (Brett), Matt Rambo (Sophie), Paisley, James, and Roma Hays, and a proud great-uncle to Landry Wiedemann. Scott's memory will also be treasured by his aunts and uncles, Charlie and Jan Hays, Dale and Joyce Smeltzer, as well as his many cousins, Cheryl Good and her children Chase and Luke, Heather Sugar (Steven) and their children Joe and Hannah, Debbie York (Tom), Dianne Manning (Scott), David Smeltzer (Dee), and Daniel Smeltzer (Jamie). Scott was also survived by his half-aunts Cynthia Welbourn and Judy Moody (Kenny). Although Scott had Down Syndrome, he did not allow it to define or limit his life. Early in his life, Scott enjoyed his active participation at Beechwold Church of Christ, and later, Worthington Christian Church. Scott was a pioneer in the schools he attended, culminating in his graduation from Worthington High School in 1989. Thanks to his family’s involvement with ARC Chapter 19, Scott met his two best friends, Scott Horstmeier and Steve Langhirt, with whom he would go on to share a home in Worthington for more than 20 years. Later, he shared a home with his friend Ricky Phillips. They were supported by a wonderful staff over the years who provided Scott with love and care, namely, Jokay, Alusine, James, George, Lawrence, Franics, Hawa, JT and Caleb, among many other loving caregivers over the years. Scott enjoyed his time at Arc Industries with the help and support of Shirley, Robin, Michelle, Valerie and their wonderful staff. Growing up, Scott was actively involved in Special Olympics for many years, where he excelled at swimming, track and field, and bowling. He enjoyed spending Saturday nights with his friends through the wonderful programs at the Worthington Rec Center. Scott loved vacationing in Hilton Head with his family, despite his demand to only visit the beach once and immediately upon arrival. Scott's idea of an ideal vacation was relaxing in air conditioning, enjoying food and drink, maybe some beer, while being entertained by his favorite TV shows, of which there were many (CHiPs, Dukes of Hazzard, Love Boat to name a few). Scott also had a love of music and enjoyed strumming his guitar while singing along to artists such as Greg Russell, Garth Brooks, Alabama, John Denver, and, much to his brother's chagrin, Shania Twain. We would like to acknowledge the wonderful care and support that he received from the ICU medical team at Grady Memorial Hospital in Delaware, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Special Olympics of Columbus (https://sites.google.com/view/columbusschoolsspecialolympics/donate), Special Olympics of Worthington (https://worthingtonspecialolympics.com/donate.html), and Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio (https://dsaco.net/donate/). Visitation will occur at Rutherford Funeral Home in Powell, Ohio on Saturday, February 1st from 2 to 4 pm, with a short service to be performed at 4 pm. Scott's warmth, kindness, and sense of humor touched the lives of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Scott Edward Hays

December 21, 1968 - January 25, 2025