Jill (Cook) Bales

Jill Cook Bales, a lifelong resident of Muncie, Indiana, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and loved ones on November 16, 2024, at the age of 82. Born on December 9, 1941, to George and Cordelia (Mansfield) Cook, Jill led a life filled with love and dedication to her family, friends and community.

Jill's family life was marked by two marriages. In December 1958, she married Chester A Taylor, with whom she was blessed with three beautiful children: Myschael, Kimberly, and Randy. In August 1980, she married Jack L. Bales, who preceded her in death on November 22, 2006.

Jill's entrepreneurial spirit emerged early in life. At just 14 years old, she and her sister Nancy opened a record store in The Village near Ball State University. Her professional life was defined by a 41-year career at First Merchants Bank, where she held various positions before retiring as a supervisor in the data center. As a teenager, Jill was actively involved in Job's Daughters, achieving the highest rank of Honor Queen.

Jill was known for her diverse interests, devotion to God and zest for life. She loved nature and the world that God created; the blue sky, green grass, the beautiful change of seasons, lakes, oceans, mountains, and animals (especially her feline friends)! Jill was thankful for seeing, smelling and listening to all that God created.

Spending time with family and close friends was what Jill most cherished. She loved listening to music, dancing, golfing, boating, traveling, gardening, playing cards, hosting Bible study, entertaining and decorating, especially for the holidays. Her friends and family will always remember her for her creativity, generous spirit, sense of humor and positive outlook on life.

Jill was preceded in death by her parents George and Cordelia Cook, husband Jack Bales, son Randy Taylor, and sister Nancy Cook Wilson.

Jill Cook Bales will be remembered as a loving mother, a dedicated professional, and a woman who embraced life with enthusiasm and grace. She will be missed by many including her daughters; Myschael Taylor Heritage and Kimberly Taylor Sinclair (Mike), grandchildren; Meredith Carpenter (Ross), Mitchell Stamper, Paul Sinclair, and Jack Sinclair (Jamie), great-grandchildren; Corbin Carpenter, Piper Carpenter, and Major Stamper and nephews; Brad Wilson, Brian Wilson, and Brock Wilson and their families.

A private family graveside service will be held at a later date in Elm Ridge Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Muncie Animal Shelter or Muncie ARF, honoring Jill's love for animals.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.elmridgefuneralhome.com.