Eleanor Bayes, 78

Eleanor E. Bayes, 78 years, of Bryan, passed away Thursday, January 15, 2015 at Genesis Healthcare – Bryan Center.  Eleanor was born April 17, 1936 in New York City, New York, the daughter of the late Ewing P. and Eleanor J. (Brown) Knox.  She married Darrell D. Bayes on February 28, 1959 in Bryan, and he preceded her in death on March 17, 2006.  Eleanor was employed as an office worker for General Telephone Company for 33 years when she retired.  Eleanor then was the Branch Office Administrator for Edward Jones for 14 years.  Eleanor and her husband Darrell were the owners of the former Darrell’s Gun Shop.  She was a member of the Bryan First Presbyterian Church, a Life-Member of the Bryan VFW Post 2489 Ladies Auxiliary.  She served on the Board of Directors for the Williams County Humane Society, where she volunteered countless hours.  Eleanor also volunteered at Lincoln Elementary School.  She enjoyed bowling, reading, working in her yard and making porcelain dolls.  Her biggest passion was caring for animals.

Surviving are her nephew, Paul Gotshall of Misawa, Japan and niece, Linda Gotshall Ward of Bryan.  She is also survived by several great nieces.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Darrell, one sister, Evelyn Knox Gotshall, one niece, Laura Gotshall and one nephew, Keith Gotshall.

Visitation for Eleanor E. Bayes will be held Thursday, January 22, 2015 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. in the Oberlin-Turnbull Funeral Home, 206 North Lynn Street, Bryan, Ohio.  Graveside committal services will be held at 9:30 a.m., Friday, January 23, 2015 at Farmer Cemetery, Farmer, Ohio.  A Celebration of Life Service for Eleanor will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 23, 2015 at the Chapel of First Presbyterian Church, 506 Oxford Drive, Bryan with Pastor Barry Sweet officiating.

Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions be made to the Williams County Humane Society.