It is with great shock and sadness that we announce the passing of Stacey Ryanne Hayes on October 14, 2026, at the age of 15. 

For the 5,510 days that Stacey was on this earth, she made an immeasurable difference in everyone lucky enough to be loved by her. 

Stacey’s favorite place to be was the ocean, often running into it singing Disney songs to escape the humanness of the world and with a longing to swim with her favorite creature on the earth, the Orca whale. 

It comes as no surprise that they were her favorite –  Orcas are known for being playful and gregarious, exhibiting stubborn and protective behaviors to those they love most. They tend to be patient, peaceable, and non-bullying. They’re affectionate, cheerful, and high in curiosity. In their family, they demonstrate levels of independence, bravery, sensitivity, and protectiveness.

Stacey’s spirit truly encompassed her favorite thing on earth. She was playful, especially with her dad, Randy. Teasing each other relentlessly, it was rare that she and her dad weren’t smiling and laughing in each other’s company. She was fiercely protective of her siblings, Lily & Kane, and anyone lucky enough to call her a friend. She hated bullying, standing up for those that felt most vulnerable or new in her class and school. She was affectionate and cheerful, especially if she made it known that she favored you, and she was authentic and brave – always making sure you felt her honesty, and walking purposefully out of rooms she didn’t want to be in. She was never afraid to be herself, she guarded her family with an intensity that can only be defined as love, and she stuck close to her best friend – her mom, Michelle. Partners in everything, Stacey loved helping her with cooking, helping with outside chores, and helping with her siblings. 

As a lover of animals even more than humans, Stacey loved adopting the loner chicken, riding her horses without a saddle, spending time with her stubborn pigs, catching birds with her bare hands in the sunroom, and letting her dog (Dallas) take up her whole bed at night. 

A natural leader, her confidence in the show ring with her pigs was unmatched. 

Still just a sweet girl in the world though, Stacey loved expressing her creativity in her style, her hair color, and her impressive Squishmallow collection. 

Though Stacey’s life was cut far too short by an invisible pain that became too heavy to bear, their family asks that we remember her not by how their life ended, but by how fiercely she loved, protected and played – and that we honor her by doing the same. 

Stacey’s impression on the world has been demonstrated greatly by the way the family has already felt so cared for in this time. Gratitude will never be able to be expressed enough to thank those that have stepped in to help shoulder this unbelievable loss.

Stacey is survived and missed by her dad, Randy (Hayes), mom, Michelle (Hayes), and siblings Lily (Hayes) and Kane (Hayes).

Forever cherished and remembered by her grandparents (Debra Routh, Finis (Andrew) Routh, Rory & Chris Hayes), aunts & uncles, cousins (Justin, Erin, Wyatt, Raegan, & Sadie Ramsey, and Janie Routh, Austin Forbes, & Leila Forbes, and Derek Routh), and all extended family and friends. 

No gifts or flowers are expected. Should friends desire, contributions may be sent to provide for and cover the unexpected service expenses for the Hayes family in her absence. 

Contributions:

https://gofund.me/5579feb59 

or mailed to Randy & Michelle Hayes at 2415 County Road 218, Cheyenne WY 82009

Family and friends are welcome to gather with the family on Stacey’s favorite holiday, Halloween (10/31/2026) from 1pm-3pm at the Community House in Cheyenne WY (603 Lions Park Dr, Cheyenne, WY 82001). Costumes encouraged or whatever you are most comfortable wearing (she idolized Adam Sandler's style). 

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available and you're never alone. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or chat at 988lifeline.org.