CLESS ESTHER BAYLEY (nee Gardner)
April 19, 1927 – August 31, 2006
On August 31, 2006 Cless Esther Bayley went to be with Jesus.
Although her passing was sudden, it was not unexpected. This last mile of her journey has been a long one and she shared that she was ready to go home.
We who are left behind will miss her but are comforted with the fact that this separation is not eternal.
April 19, 1927 Cless Esther Bayley was born in Peace River Alberta to William and Hattie Love Gardner from the Cherokee, Choctaw Nations of Oklahoma.
Cless was predeceased by husband Patrick Bayley in 1991, son Craig Travis in 1964, her parents and her brothers Gabe, Bluford, Rusty, Norman, Wayne, George, and Patrick.
Left behind with many fond memories are her children: Randy Bayley of Enderby, Gayle (Bob) Procter of Fort St. John, Patricia (Edward) Traub of Vavenby, Deborah Bayley of Clearwater, Colleen (Kerry) Plugoway of Fort St. John; brother Pete (Dorothy) Gardner of Peace River, Alberta; sisters-in-law Peggy Bayley of Hudson Hope and Patricia Munsterman of Edmonton. As well as many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews and nieces and friends.
Cless enjoyed traveling anywhere — anytime, fishing, carpet bowling and making excellent meals appreciated by many of the SOS Clearwater seniors. She also liked to knit and sew, and we all knew there was no tear that could not be mended with patience . . . and of course a good sharp needle.
Cless was strength to all of her family. She was always available with a listening ear, encouragement and wisdom. She was a stay at home mom so we always came home to the wonderful aroma of freshly baked bread and homemade pies, and will be remembered by many for her Sunday chicken dinners. Though she was home while the children were younger, she worked for the school district until her retirement, and made many friendships while there.
Special thank you to ambulance attendants Angela and Bryan, who so lovingly helped mom and took her on her last memorable ride to hospital. You do your job so well. Thank you to all of the nurses and Dr. Soles who helped to make mom comfortable with all of your care and attention. To the Royal Canadian Legion for honoring our mother. Thank you Lloyd Strickland, officiating minister and Drake Smith, funeral director for all of the individual attention, patience, help and support you gave our family. To everyone who stopped in, called and sent flowers, cards and food. Thank you.
Each of you made this mile of our journey much more bearable by the love you gave us through it all.
Love brings even the highest of walls down, heals the deepest of wounds, bridges the gap left by years of unforgiveness, and warms the coldest of hearts.
Cless will be missed by many and we look forward to when the chain that has been broken is linked once again.
— The Bayley family
Following cremation a Memorial Service will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion in Clearwater, BC on Sunday, Sept. 10, 2006 at 2:00 p.m.
Lloyd Strickland, Minister, will officiate.
Interment to follow at Riverview Cemetery, Clearwater, BC.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to North Thompson Funeral Services, 73 Taren Drive, Box 2404 RR2, Clearwater, BC, V0E 1N0, ph. 250-674-3030.