Helen BAYES

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BAYES: Helen Norine Bayes December 4, 1926 – July 3, 2015. Surrounded by her loving husband and family, she rose into the arms of the Lord at the age of 88. Helen was born in Brandon, MB. She was the eldest of 6 siblings to Ora and Vida Wilson. She spent her early childhood years in Isabella, MB before the family moved to Winnipeg in September 1929. In 1945, Helen graduated from Daniel McIntyre C.I. She worked at a printing shop in Winnipeg as a book binder and type setter for $0.25/hr. On April 5, 1952 Helen married the love of her life, Art Bayes. She left the city life and running water to become a farmer’s wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was a perfect example of a spiritual, loving Mother and homemaker who enjoyed Sunday family get togethers. She also enjoyed gardening, cooking, baking, preserving, sewing, knitting, ceramics and volunteering. Helen was involved with the Rapid City Legion Auxiliary for 62 years, Rapid City 4-H Home-Economics Club as leader for over 20 years, a United Church member and served many years at the executive level in the UCW. In 1984, Helen and Art retired from the farm and moved to Minnedosa. It was here that they took up bowling and would spend much of their time socialising with friends and family, playing board games, Scrabble, doing word search, puzzles and Cribbage. She was very competitive and loved to beat Art especially the day he dealt her the 29 hand in Crib. Helen also loved to take day trips and travel. She was proud to say that she dipped her feet in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, along with the Gulf of Mexico. Helen is survived by her loving husband Art of 63 years, son David (Jane) Bayes, daughters; Iris Kooting, Gwen (Randy) Usick, Shirley Bayes (Bob), Judy Bayes (Chris), as well as, 8 grandchildren; Leigh (Rob) Heie, Rebecca Kooting (Mike), Kim (Mike) Speiss, Valerie Adam (Nathan), David (Michelle) Kooting, Jason Adam, Louis Bayes (Reed) and Sheila Bayes (Stephen) and 10 great grandchildren; Jocelyn Kooting, Wiley and Bodhi Speiss, Ava and Ole Heie, Mathew, Aaliyah, Quinton and Colin Starr and Caden Adam . Helen is also survived by her sister Ethel (Vern) Jackson, brother-in-law Cecil Bayes along with numerous nieces and nephews. Helen was predeceased by her parents Ora and Vida Wilson, her sisters and their husbands Muriel & Phil, Gladys & Ed, Elaine & Harry , brother James, half-sisters Enid & Willard and Gladys, parents- in-law Harry and Annie Bayes, brother & sister-in-law’s Levi & Mary, Ray & Isabel, Ernie & Doris, Fred & Florence and Doreen. Helen courageously fought her diabetes with dignity and grace, never deviated from her diet. She never complained because she always felt someone was worse off than she was. The family would like to thank all the staff at the Minnedosa Personal Care Home, where Helen resided for the last 8 years, for their excellent care and compassion. Also, Art and family would like to thank Rev. Natasha Pearen for her comforting support and guidance through this most difficult time. Funeral service were held on Wednesday July 8/2015 at 2:00 p.m. at the Minnedosa United Church with Rev. Natasha Pearen officiating. Pallbearers were her 8 grandchildren. Interment followed in the Minnedosa Cemetery Legion Section. Cards and flowers are gratefully declined. Donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association or the Minnedosa Personal Care Home Patio Fund. Minnedosa Funeral Services was in care of arrangements.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jul 18, 2015