Frances M. Bayley

Frances Marie Bayley, 78, of Olathe, Kansas passed away surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, March 31, 2022. She will forever be remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend to everyone she met. “Fran” as she was known was born on February 25, 1944 to Clemet V. and Virginia Evelyn Shelton (Stramel).

As a youth Fran enjoyed spending time with her family and best cousin Peggy Jo at Shawnee and Melvern Lakes camping out, or girl’s night in at Doris and Dales dancing to the Archie’s “Sugar Shack” with curlers in her hair. She also enjoyed cruising Topeka Blvd in her Chevy Impala hanging out at Allen’s Drive Inn along with her favorite hamburger stand BoBo’s. She attended and graduated from Hayden High School in 1963. Fran had many odd jobs throughout her life including Myron Green’s Cafeteria, a key punch operator, Olan Mills, and a greeter at Walmart. However, her most important job in life was caring, loving, and serving her family as a homemaker. In 1964, she went on a blind date that would forever change her life. Life-long friend, Larry Patch introduced her to the love of her life “Bob”.

On June 5, 1965 she married Robert Leroy Bayley in Topeka and started a lifelong adventure for 53 years. Bob’s service in the Airforce took them to Omaha, and Atlanta before settling in Olathe where they raised their daughter Kimberley. As a family, they enjoyed spending time camping and vacationing to several destinations. Fond memories of trips included Branson to Yogi Bear Campground, a family cabin at Fish Trap Lake in Minnesota, Baltimore, Maryland, Mount Rushmore, and Durango, Colorado to name a few. They traveled to over 25 states together. For over 45 years they resided on Fairwood Lane where Fran enjoyed close friendships and fun times of block parties with neighbors. She enjoyed gardening growing tomatoes, corn, and strawberries. She loved watching tv shows like the Price is Right, I love Lucy, and As the World Turns while eating her favorite foods of Cheetos, Honey Ham Sandwiches, Pepsi, and always CHOCOLATE!

Fran was always volunteering and helping as the homeroom mom at elementary school parties. She didn’t know a stranger and helped anyone she met. There were three girls she took in to live with her during their time of need, Chris, Leslie, and Julie. She made a positive impact on their lives that still holds to this day. She also enjoyed spending time with her two grandsons, Ben and Noah at Cedar Lake, going to the zoo, watching trains, going to Union Station, and eating at Winstead’s or Steak & Shake.

Fran is proceeded in death by her husband, Robert Leroy Bayley, grandparents David and Mable Shelton & Stephen and Elizabeth Stramel, parents Virginia and Clem Shelton, aunts Lois Jackson, Betty Wood, Wilma McCarty, and uncle Warren Shelton. She is survived by her two sisters Doris Hammond (Topeka) and Sharon Burress (Meridan). She will be sadly missed by her daughter, Kimberley Matney and her husband Michael of Osawatomie, Kansas. Left behind to cherish her memory are her two grandchildren, Ben & Noah along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Fran will be buried at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Olathe with the remains of Bob’s ashes according to her wishes. Memorial contributions can be made to NAMI Johnson County (National Association of Mental Illness).

A visitation for Frances will be held Wednesday, April 6, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at McGilley & Frye Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 105 E. Loula Street, Olathe, KS 66061. A funeral service will occur Thursday, April 7, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 105 E. Loula Street, Olathe, KS 66061. A committal service will occur Thursday, April 7, 2022 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens, 13901 Blackbob Road, Olathe, KS 66062.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.McGilley-Frye.com for the Bayley family.