Donald Lee Hays, 75, of Rockford passed away on July 17, 2022 at Tranquility of Rockford.

He was born on May 19, 1947, in Mercer County, the son of the late Richard and Z. Fae (Kirkpatrick) Hays. On June 15, 1968 he married the former Linda Reedy. Together, they shared 54 years of memories.

Donald was a 1965 graduate of Parkway High School, and lived his lifetime in the Rockford area. Donald was a member of the Rockford United Methodist Church. He worked at Motor Inn truck stop and at Fremont. Donald was a farmer and enjoyed collecting antique tractors and farm equipment. Donald was involved with the Ohio State Plowing Organization, as well as several antique tractor clubs. Donald and his wife were also the former owners of Mom's Country Cookin'.

In addition to his wife, surviving are one son, Douglas (Rebecca) Hays of Rockford; five daughters, Donna (Jeff) Adams of Rushville, Indiana, Denise (Greg) Lochtefeld of Knoxville, Tennessee, Darlene Hays of Greenville, Ohio, Diane Hays of Celina, Ohio, and Danielle Hays of Fort Wayne, Indiana; one sister, Connie Hays of Columbus Grove, Ohio; five granddaughters, Brittney, Sarah, Victoria, Rhyan (raised in Donald and Linda's home), and Gabby; and five great grandchildren.

Along with his parents, Donald was preceded in death by one sister, Karen S. Hays.

Services will be held at 10:00 AM Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home 111 W. First Street Rockford, OH 45882 with Rev. Chip Steffy, officiating. Interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery, 3750 US-33 Rockford, OH 45882.

Family and friends will be received from 1:00 PM to 5:00 pm and 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Tuesday July 19, 2022 at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home 111 W. First Street Rockford, OH 45882.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Donald`s memory may be sent to Mercer County Cancer Society or to the Mercer County Council on Aging.

To share in Donald's online memorial, please visit www.ketchamripley.com.