Kellie (Carson) Hayes, age 49, of Minerva, passed away Thursday, Dec. 17, 2015 at Aultman Compassionate Care in Canton after a 7 year battle with cancer. She was born July 25, 1966 in Canton to Judy (Long) Carson of Minerva and the late Oscar Carson Sr. She graduated from Minerva High School in 1984 and was a long time employee and co-owner of Rae's Jewelry in Minerva. She attended Grace Chapel in Minerva. Kellie touched the lives of everyone who knew her and was an inspiration to so many. Her faith in Jesus, her strength and positivity and her smile was contagious.

She is survived by her husband, George Hayes Jr. whom she married July 5, 2002, 2 sons, Brook Cannon of Columbus and Brady Cannon of Beaufort, SC, 4 stepchildren, Ashley McCauley of Massillon, George Hayes IV of Louisville, Logan Hayes and Austin Hayes of Paris, grandson, Bryson Hayes, mother, Judy Carson of Minerva, brother, Oscar (Carol) Carson of East Canton, 4 sisters, Billie (Joe) Nimz of Minerva, Marian (Dan) Locke of Hartville, Connie Brewer of East Rochester and Jennifer Drews of Minerva, numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews who all held a special place in her heart. She was preceded in death by her father, Oscar Carson Sr. in 1995.

The family would like to extend their most heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Dr. Shruti Trehan and her entire staff for their extraordinary care and compassion given to Kellie the last 7 years.

Funeral services will be held 4:00 pm Sunday at the Gotschall-Hutchison Funeral Home in Minerva with Chaplain Larry Karlen officiating. Calling hours will be Sunday 2-4 pm prior to services. Memorial contributions may be made to the Aultman Cancer Center refurbishing project or to the Grace Chapel of Minerva's building fund.