Wilma Jean Bays

Wilma Jean Bays, 76, of North Vernon, passed away surrounded by her family and friends at 12:43 p.m. on Wednesday, October 17, 2018 at Our Hospice Inpatient Facility in Columbus, Indiana.

Born May 18, 1942 in Irving, Kentucky, she was the daughter of Earl and Nanny Horn Bellis. She married James Bays on July 22, 1978 in North Vernon; he survives.

Wilma was employed with WIC in Jennings County for 10 years, retiring in 2013. She enjoyed pencil coloring, sewing, flower beds, and spending time with her two dogs and her grandchildren.

Surviving with her husband, James, of North Vernon are 8 daughters – Tammy (Rick) Simpson of Seymour, Marilyn Caldwell and Patty Ervin, both of Columbus, Kim (Nad) Day, Vanessa (Joe) Craig, Kay Monroe, Renee (Robert) Adams, and Carol (Paul) Laman, all of North Vernon; 15 grandchildren – Travis (Alicia) Simpson and Ashley (Mike) Fish, both of Seymour, Sarah (Derek) Ponsler of Westport, Evan and Garrett Day, Ethan and Emily Adams, Hannah and Skylar (Autumn) Monroe, all of North Vernon, Becky (Nate) Caldwell, Barbara (Brandon) Newman, Jonathan Coleman, Jessica (Barry) White, Jacob Browder, all of Columbus, Amberly Bays of Florida; 14 great grandchildren; and her two dogs – Ollie and Zeus.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one son – Joseph Bays; and one grandson – Ronald Scott Caldwell.

The services for Mrs. Bays will be at 7 p.m. on Saturday, October 20, 2018 at the Dove-Sharp & Rudicel Funeral Home and Cremation Services with Rev. Caleb Reynolds officiating. The visitation time will be from 4 – 7 p.m. on Saturday before the services.

Memorials may be made through the funeral home to the American Lung Association or to Mercy Rescue.

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