Rosalee Bayless

She was born on May 19, 1936 in Havana, Illinois, the daughter of Louie H. and Edith K. (Rennecker) Hackman. Rosalee married Truman L. Bayless on July 14, 1974 in Havana. He preceded her in death on February 6, 2003.

Rosalee was also preceded in death by her parents; one grandson, Aaron Fagan; two sisters, Erma Ray and Darlene Messman; one brother, Alvin Hackman; as well as Elena Romeo.

She is survived by her children; Lynn (Dave) Burritt of Pittsburgh, PA, Melvin Baker of West Palm Beach, FL, Arlene (Weldon) Moldenhauer of Pekin, IL, and Darrin (Gayla) Baker of Beardstown, IL. She is also survived by nine grandchildren. Diana (Shawn) Patel, Alex Burritt, Vanessa Burritt, Eric Burritt, Aaron Moldenhauer, Alicia (Nicholas) Staudacher, Carly Hall, Luke Baker and Alyssa (David) Kim; three great-grandsons, Jet Patel, Gabriel Kim, and Noah Kim; and one sister, Emilie (Herbert) Roos.

Rosalee was baptized on July 5, 1936 and confirmed on April 2, 1950. She was a longtime member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Havana, Our Redeemer in Marion and most recently Bethel Lutheran in Morton. Rosalee graduated from Havana High School in 1953.

Throughout her life, Rosalee worked as a secretary in a variety of roles, including the Farm Bureau, Centel, 4-H Junior Show and the Mason County Association Extension. She moved to Pekin in 2005 and before that she lived at the Lake of Egypt in Creal Springs, IL for 22 years.

Rosalee cherished time spent with family and friends. She enjoyed winters in Florida, traveling, crafts, and crocheting. She was ever present for her family — loving, steady, and dependable. Her faith guided her life, and she found joy in church, family gatherings, and friendships. She was known for her wonderful sense of humor, warm spirit, kindness, and a pleasant presence that made people feel welcome and at ease.

Her legacy lives on through the family she nurtured, the faith she lived, and the love she gave so freely.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 30, 2026, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Morton. Pastor Jeff Anderson officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday, January 31, 2026 at Zeigler City Cemetery. Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin is assisting the family with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in honor of Rosalee may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 1640, Hagerstown, Maryland 21741 or Vision for Christ at Bethel Lutheran Church 325 East Queenwood Rd, Morton, IL 61550.

To express condolences online, visit www.Preston-Hanley.com.