Betty Jean Bayless' Obituary
Betty Jean Bayless passed away at the age of 94, surrounded by her family on October 27, 2020. She was born in Emerald, Idaho on February 7, 1926. Betty lived a full life, rich with experiences and the love of family and friends.
Betty married the love of her life, Melvin Junior Bayless, on November 5, 1942 after meeting him at the age of 15 where they worked together at a farm in Gresham, Oregon. Eventually, they settled in Oregon City, Oregon where they raised their three children, Evelyn, Jo and Walter. Betty and Melvin were married for 77 years, only being separated by death for eight months.
While raising their children Betty worked various jobs, including waitressing, retail, and owning a restaurant in Gresham with her sister-in-law. Her favorite job was working for the Oregon City School District (OCSD), which she started in 1965. She drove a school bus for seven years and then was promoted as the first female Transportation Supervisor in an Oregon School District. She held that position for 12 years. She retired after 19 years with OCSD.
Betty was talented at making ceramics and loved to crochet. She also enjoyed shopping at garage sales until she started to acquire too much "stuff". This started a tradition of having her own yearly garage sale to re-sell all her amazing finds. This popular Oregon City garage sale turned into a family event that she coordinated for 30 years with her children and grandchildren.
During retirement, Betty and Melvin enjoyed snow-birding in their RV between Oregon and Arizona. They spent summers at their Ocean Park, Washington residence, fishing, clamming, and visiting the local flea markets. Holidays were spent in her home with plenty of food, family, and the quiet love that she gave in abundance.
Betty is survived by daughter Jo (Mike) Guyot and son Walt Bayless, six grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by Melvin 'Bud' Bayless (husband), Evelyn Curths (daughter), and Garrett Morgan (son-in-law).
Services information:
Viewing: Monday November 9, 2020 @1pm-5pm
Holman-Hankins-Bowker & Waud
715 7th St. Oregon City
Graveside Memorial Service:
Monday November 16, 2020 at 1pm
Escorted procession meeting at 11:30am -11:45am
Holman-Hankins-Bowker & Waud
715 7th St. Oregon City
Procession going to Forest Lawn Cemetaryat 400 SW Walters Dr., Gresham
Service to begin at 1:00pm
Donations can be made to: Meals on Wheels, Oregon City at https: www.mowp.org
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