(Retired From Sauder Woodworking In Archbold)
Jean Ellen Hayward, age 75, of Wauseon, Ohio, passed away peacefully due to ongoing medical issues, Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at CHP Defiance Inpatient Hospice Center in Defiance, Ohio.
She was born to the late Clarence and Irene (Bourn) Riegsecker on Jan. 30, 1951. She married Dale E. Hayward on May 22, 1971, and he preceded her in death on Dec. 9, 2009.
Jean worked at Sheridan and McCord’s before retiring from Sauder Woodworking. She enjoyed spending time with family. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she put them above all else.
She loved her country and was an avid supporter of the Fulton County Special Olympics Jaguars. She could be seen at most practices and bowling events.
She never met a stranger and could carry on long conversations with anyone. She valued friendships and kept in contact with people for years after meeting or working with them, attending monthly get-togethers frequently as her health allowed.
She loved the church and her church family. She also enjoyed her time with her family’s pets, Loki, Evie, Hopper, Belle, Benny and Luna.
She will be deeply missed by her children, Chad (Christine) Hayward of Wauseon, Ohio, and Terra Hayward of Archbold, Ohio; sisters, Sara Louise Strauss and Dianne Galbraith, both of Wauseon, Ohio; sisters-in-law, Sharon Riegsecker, Sharon (Harry Keller) Hayward, Bonnie Lopez, and Connie (James) Baldwin; grandchildren, Damien (Amber) Hayward, Cale Meeker, Jadon (Olivia) Meeker, Dillon Hayward, Aslinn (Bronson) Baden, and Lorali Berry; and many nephews and nieces as well.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Christopher Robert Hayward; brothers, Paul and Charles Riegsecker; brothers-in-law, William Strauss Sr., Daryl Hayward, and Martin Lopez; and sister-in-law, Janice Riegsecker.
Visitation for Jean will take place Monday, March 2, 2026, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Crossroads Church Chapel. A funeral service will take place Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 10 a.m. at the church, with Pastor Matt Sauder officiating. Burial will follow at Winameg Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Fulton County Special Olympics in Jean’s memory. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.grisierfh.com. The Edgar-Grisier Funeral Home of Wauseon is honored to serve the Hayward family.