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Jeanne Isabel Gardner Bayless
May 16, 1929 – October 4, 2025
As published in the October 13, 2025 World-Spectator
It is with deep sadness that the family of Jeanne Isabel (Gardner) Bayless announce her passing on October 4, 2025, at the age of 96, surrounded by her loving family.
Jeanne was born on May 16, 1929, near Elkhorn, Manitoba. She grew up attending several country schools around the Welwyn district before continuing her education at Normal School in Winnipeg, where she earned her teaching certificate. Jeanne began her teaching career at Oak Lake and Ste. Marthe, where her dedication and love for children shone through.
Her life changed when she met her soulmate, Harry Bayless, at a gathering for young people. The two were paired together that evening, and a lifelong love story began. They were married on August 18, 1948, and together built a mixed farm north of Welwyn, raising three children. Later, they moved to Rocanville, and in 2015 to Moosomin. In 2024, Jeanne moved to Cobblestone. Wherever she lived, she cherished the friendships she made and the bonds she maintained with old friends.
Family was Jeanne’s greatest joy. She loved nothing more than visits from her children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews—listening to their stories, encouraging them, and, of course, feeding them. Many fond memories were made around her kitchen, where everyone knew they could count on a treat from her deep freeze.
Growing up in the 1930s instilled in Jeanne a sense of determination, resilience, and hard work—qualities that defined her life. She was deeply community-minded, active in the Ferndale Ladies Club during her years on the farm, and later a member of the Cherrio Group and the Rocanville Seniors Centre. Always ready to lend a hand, Jeanne gave generously of her time and energy to friends, neighbours, and her community.
Jeanne was predeceased by her husband Harry Bayless (2020); her son Ken Bayless (2025); her brothers Sonny Gardner and Jim (Donna) Gardner; her sister Ruth (George) McConnell; and in-laws Vince Chilcott, Doreen and Harlow Gough, and Fred and Ferne James.
She is survived by her children David Bayless, Laurie Bayless (Richard Brattley), and daughter-in-law Judi Bayless. She leaves behind her grandchildren Clint and Kerry Bayless, Sheree Clarke and Randy Hutchison, Kim Bayless and Clint Wheatley, Rory and Angela Bayless, and Rian and Nicole Bayless, as well as many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, including Jacob (Ceara), Taylor (Kyle), Brooklyn, Alyssa, Griffin, Forest, Korrie, Hazel, and Stevie. Jeanne is also survived by her sister Gladys Smith and sister-in-law Margaret Gardner.
Jeanne’s life was defined by love—for her family, her community, and her many friends. She leaves a legacy of kindness, resilience, and generosity that will live on through all who knew her. She set a strong example for her family and will be deeply missed.
If friends so desire, memorial contributions can be made to Moosomin & District Healthcare Foundation for CT Scanner fund, P.O. Box 1470, Moosomin, SK., S0G 3N0.
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