Barbara J. Hayes

Barbara J. Hayes, 87, of Meadville, passed away Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Meadville Medical Center. Born on November 27, 1938, in Erie, PA, Barbara was the cherished daughter of Earl and Dacie Swoap Nelson. She graduated from Harborcreek High School in 1956 and went on to attend Hamot Hospital School of Nursing in 1960, worked at Conneautville Nursing Home as an RN, eventually dedicating her life to being a loving homemaker.

Barbara married Claude E. Hayes in November 11, 1961, who sadly passed away on May 1, 2003. Together they created a warm and welcoming home where her passion for gardening, outdoor work, and crocheting flourished. Barbara was an avid collector and cherished every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her daughters, Jean Munoz of Meadville and Karen Hayes of Point Marion, as well as her son, David Hayes (Renee) of Saegertown. Barbara also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Christopher and Alexia Munoz, Nicholas Hayes (Susan), and Travis Hayes (Kristina), along with her great-grandchildren, Parker, Brinley, and Ada Hayes. She will be missed dearly by her two sisters, Charlotte Wolf of Erie and Lucille (Herman) Littlejohn of Florida.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her two brothers, James and Richard Nelson.

There will not be any formal services held at this time.

Memorials may be made in Barbara’s memory to the Baldwin-Reynolds House, 639 Terrace Street, Meadville, PA 16335 or The Yolanda G. Barco Oncology Institute, 16792 Conneaut Lake Road, Meadville, PA 16335.

Please take a moment to share a memory or condolence with the family on Barbara’s Book of Memories online at www.WarrenFH.com. Arrangements are in the care of Ryan M Warren Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Meadville.