Melanie Lea Hayes of Carbondale

Melanie Lea Alford Hayes of Carbondale passed away on Dec. 31, 2024. She was 48.

Melanie was born on Feb. 20, 1976, to Gail Marie Schebella Alford of Onaway Mich.

Melanie graduated from Onaway High School in 1994, having excelled in creative writing, drama and over the next two years she wrote her first novel, “Dead and Buried.”

She was employed as a classified ad taker and obituary writer at the Daily Progress in Charlottesville, Va., a job she enjoyed for four years. Though not published, she wrote two more novels, “Number One Crush” and “The Prisoner of Shallot.”

Melanie’s main passion was writing, and she loved to write fantasy, horror and science fiction. She was inspired by the works of John Bellairs, Ray Bradbury and Peg Herring, and by the films of Steven Spielberg and Tim Burton. Her favorite actors were Christopher Lloyd and Harry Groener. Her favorite bands were Shakespeare’s Sister, The Breeders, Garbage, Cyndi Lauper and Led Zepplin. She was also a huge fan of the show "Mystery Science Theater 3000." As an animal lover, she cared for many cats, dogs, rats and other animals.

Melanie was predeceased by her beloved husband, James Raymond Hayes; mother Gail Alford; grandparents Ben and Minnie Schebella; sister-in-law Patricia “Sandi” Alford; sister-in-law Susy Romine; and friend Annette Hanna.

Melanie leaves behind her sister, Kimberly Alford Coe, brother Ralph Alford, brother Ben Alford, sister-in-law Lenae, niece Ivy Coburn, great-nieces Aurora and Cadence, and great-nephews Buddy, Raif and Maximus, Uncle Gary Schebella, Aunt Yvonne Walsh and cousins Earl, Allan, Debbie, Bessie, Charmaine and Merry of Michigan, and many other cousins. She also leaves behind sister-in-law, June Hayes, brother-in-law Mark Oshinksi, niece Kathleen Oshinksi, brother-in-law John Romine, and nephew John Michael Romine, as well as friends Maribel Rios, Maritza Melendez, Michael Gossett, Dawn Didawick and Harry Groener.

Anyone wishing to make a donation in Melanie’s memory may donate to the Antaeus Theater Company of Glendale, Calif., or to the Survivor Empowerment Center of Carbondale.

Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale assisted the family with arrangements. To leave a story or memory of Melanie, visit meredithfh.com.