Melanie Lea Hayes

Melanie Lea Alford Hayes, of Carbondale Illinois, passed away on December 31, 2024. She was 48. Melanie was born on February 20, 1976, to Gail Marie Schebella Alford of Onaway Michigan.

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, Virginia, 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, 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 Theatre 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, & cousins Earl, Allan, Debbie, Bessie, Charmaine, & 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, California, or to the Survivors Empowerment Center of Carbondale, Illinois.

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