Wanda Evelyn Bayles, age 99, a longtime Xenia resident, passed away early Friday morning, December 8, 2023, at Flora Rehabilitation & Health Care Center. 

     She was born February 25, 1924, in Iuka, Illinois to Herbert and Verta (Cheeley) Clark.  On November 7, 1943, she married Freddie L. Bayles of Xenia, and together they shared 59 years of marriage until his death on January 5, 2003.     

     In early years Wanda worked at the Salem Shoe Factory, and in her married years, she was a housewife and helpmate to her husband.  She was a custodian and later secretary/treasurer at Powers General Baptist Church, of which she was a faithful member.  During their retirement years, Wanda and Fred enjoyed their woodworking business (Bayles Crafts) and growing and preserving garden food.  Wanda enjoyed her family and loved spending time with them.

     She is survived by her daughter: Pamela (Gary) Sessions of Xenia; her daughter-in-law: Amy Bayles of Evansville, Indiana; a stepson: Marvin (Vicki) Bayles of Mineral Wells, West Virginia; and a sister: Ruby Bartley of Christiansburg, Virginia.  Also surviving are grandchildren: Kimberly (Brian) Scarbrough of Xenia, Kyle (Beth) Sessions of Fairfield, Justus (Laura) Bayles of Paducah, Kentucky, Jeris (Jessica) Bayles of Boonville, Indiana, and Julee (T.J.) Noll of Evansville; 14 great-grandchildren; 2 step-grandchildren: Tina Richards of Gulfport, Mississippi and Tracy Lipscomb (Jason) of Boaz, West Virginia; 4 step-great-grandchildren; and 4 step-great-great-grandchildren.  A number of nieces and nephews also survive.

     Preceding Wanda in death were her parents; husband; son: Keith Bayles; great-granddaughter: Monica Bayles; step-grandson: Marvin Bayles Jr.; father and mother-in-law: Austin and Martha Bayles; and 3 sisters: infant Helen Clark, Naomi Baker, and Rosebud Shulz.  She was also preceded in death by brothers-in-law: Gene Baker, Harold Shulz, Leland Bartley, Bill Bayles, Doc Bayles, Edward Bayles, Dick Bodine, Raymond Whitsell, P.J. Cuvelier, and Bill Bartelt; and sisters-in-law: Myrtle Bodine, Lillie Whitsell, Wreatha Cuvelier, and Bertha Bartelt.

     The family would like to thank the staff at both Heritage Woods and Flora Rehabilitation and Health Care Center for their kindness, compassion, and care during Wanda’s stay at their facilities.   

     A funeral ceremony will be held at 12 noon on Friday, December 15, 2023, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora with Kyle Sessions and Brian Scarbrough officiating.  Interment will follow in Powers Cemetery, Xenia.  A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until 12 noon on Friday at the funeral home.  Memorial donations are suggested to Powers Cemetery, and these will be accepted through the funeral home.  To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com