Barbara Ann Bayne

Barbara Ann Bayne (Grandma Gator), passed away with family members by her side, while resting comfortably at home, November 13, 2015. She was born on September 29, 1931, to the late Eleanor and Charles Edgar Brown. Barbara was preceded in death by sons, Charles Bayne, and Keith Bayne, and her grandson, Robert Logan Bayne. Barbara is survived by her life-long partner and friend, devoted husband of nearly 66 years, James (J.K.), her brother, Bob Brown (wife Colleen), her sister Patricia Carker, husband John) and her three sons, Steve (wife, Mary) (April, Steve’s daughter is responsible for the Gators being called the Gators), Bruce (wife, Laurie), and Kenny (wife, Donna). Barbara has always been thankful for her nieces who were like her daughters, Cathy Stringer, Elle Draiss, and Julie Probert, along with the “Brown girls,” Kelly Theil, Christy Hampton, Allyson Broka, and Amanda Randazzo-Guier, and her nephew, Phillip Randazzo. Barbara loved the friends she has made over the years, especially those who were able to care for her and visit most recently. Barbara’s friends have always uplifted her, and as of late, they have been her source of strength to continue her fight against cancer. One long time friend commented, “I don't think Barbara likes me coming around.” The response received was, “You are right, she doesn't like you coming around, she loves you coming around.” Another friend wrote recently how grateful he was that Barbara treated him like he was one of her own. Indeed, that is how Barbara embraced life, by embracing all those that she came into contact with, with love, kindness, and acceptance. Once you were a friend of Barbara’s, you were one of “her people.” In her last days she was heard asking the doctor and nurses of Hospice, if “her people” could come and visit. It was very important to her that she was able to share of herself up to the very last days. She wanted “her people” around her. She was born in Southern California, later moving to Las Vegas, where Barbara attended the old Fifth Street School in Las Vegas until her family moved to Henderson, where she was an outstanding student at Basic High School. When Barbara was very little, she was often compared to Shirley Temple. Her boys will attest that one of the most painful forms of punishment was to sit and watch, “quietly” one of Shirley Temple’s movies. Many of Barbara’s granddaughters now benefit from having had Barbara’s collection of movies shared with them. She had a zest for the NBA, and could name players and coaches with the best of them, plus quote stats of each player as well. This may attest to her having two DVR machines which gave her the ability to record six NBA games a day, watching them all well into the early morning hours. Her love of sports came from her youth, when she played recreational softball and basketball. Later in life, Barbara loved to bowl, play cards and travel. Barbara was a hard worker. Over the years she worked for the Clark County School District, where scores of her beloved students, administrators, and teachers, loved and adored her. Barbara worked for the Vernay’s dress stores in Las Vegas, where her primary responsibility was bookkeeping, and where she did some “buying” as well. After spending 25 plus years in the work force, she retired to travel with J.K. They visited many beautiful parts of the world, and cruised with family and friends. Their favorite time was spent at Swains Creek, Utah where they built their vacation cabin together. Always cooking and entertaining, there were many happy hours spent playing cards and sharing meals and laughter there with the people she loved. In between travel and attending family events, just to stay busy, she took care of the books for Bruce, Keith and Kenny, as they started a construction company bearing the family name, “Bayne Brothers Construction.” Though she had enjoyed her work with the School District, and Vernay’s, Barbara took great pride and joy in working with her sons in the construction industry. Barbara was patriotic, and loved her country and the community in which she lived. She worked as a volunteer in the local youth bowling association, on 4-H projects, and as a Den Mother with the Cub Scouts. Her real love, where Barbara felt she could give a piece of herself was in “crafting”. She could paint, sew, nail, glue and create--there was no one like her. She offered up seasonal designs and gifts for all occasions. There were times that she had orders for blankets, or figurines a year in advance. If you wanted Mickey Mouse on your shelf or Tinker Bell on your sweat-shirt, Barbara could make that happen. If you needed a rabbit for Easter, or a wreath for Christmas, Barbara was at your service. There are few that know Barbara that do not have something she has made. Of course she charged for her creativity, but we all knew that the love and effort that went in to each piece Barbara made was “priceless”. Barbara married J.K. when she was 17 years old, and has loved him every day since. On December 25, 2015, this wonderful couple would have celebrated 66 years of marriage. As the holiday season quickly approaches, J.K., along with Barbara’s family, pray that each of you know that she has been reunited with those that have passed on before her. And because of this special Season we can celebrate Barbara’s life both here on earth and into the eternities. For we all know that no one liked a party more than Barbara. May God Bless Her. Thank each of you that helped care for Barbara during her last days. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Always Better Care Hospice, c/o Rocky Mountain Care Foundation, 598 W. 900 S., Suite 230, Woods Cross, UT 84010, 801-397-4160. https://rockymountaincarefoundation.org/give/make-a-donation/