Maya Bautista

Maya Alicia Bautista, 34, originally from Bowling Green, Ohio, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2025, in Toledo, Ohio, following a long and courageous battle with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (TENS).

Maya was a beloved sister, aunt, daughter, granddaughter, cousin, and friend. She was deeply admired for both her outward beauty and her gentle, kind spirit. Patient by nature, she carried a calming presence that made people feel seen, cared for, and at ease.

Maya's kind and supportive nature followed her everywhere, from her work life to the hearts of her family & friends. At Hollywood Casino, where she worked since 2012, Maya was loved by coworkers and regular customers alike for her warmth, work ethic, and smile. That same devotion showed up at home, where she had a special closeness to her sister, Analicia, showing continued love and support.

Maya had many interests, including hospitality, food and beverage, travel, and music- especially Carlos Santana concerts. Above all, she was unfailingly kind, generous, curious and thoughtful-always attentive to the people around her.

Over the past 13 months, Maya faced illness with remarkable patience, resilience, and faith in God. She never complained and carried herself with grace, even as her healing came slowly. In her final days, Maya was able to return home, where she clearly expressed her wishes and chose comfort and peace. Surrounded by family, she shared her smile and expressions of love before passing peacefully.

Maya is survived by her mother, Natalia Cervantes (Bautista), of Walbridge, Ohio; her stepfather, Paul Cervantes, whom she loved dearly; her brothers, Marcus Hughes and Marcel Hughes; her sisters, Morgan Hughes and Analicia Santos; and her two beloved nephews, Riley Collins and Theodore Collins, who lovingly knew her as Tía Maya.

She is also survived by her aunt, Nora (Victor) Hernandez; maternal uncles, Percy and Adrian Bautista; and her cousins Veronica (Juve) Guillen, Vanessa (Chris) Malsch, Victoria (Alex) Black, Nicolas Hernandez, Vivian Vazquez, Omar Vazquez, Jose Bautista, Zenaida Bautista, Jaden Bautista, and Skyla Bautista.

Maya was preceded in death by her cherished grandparents, Maria Alicia and Jose Bautista of Bowling Green, Ohio, affectionately known as Tita and Tito.

She was deeply loved by her best friends Cristina Galindo, Sam Granata, Sara Granata, Melanie Munoz-Durrant, Raquel Vargas and Andrew DeHoyos.

Services for Ms. Maya Bautista will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026, at 1:00 PM, with a memorial service beginning at 4:00 PM, at Sunrise Cremations & Funerals, 701 North Main Street, Walbridge, Ohio 43465.