Elizabeth Ann Bayless

Elizabeth “Liz" Ann Bayless, 90 of Bluffton, Indiana, entered into the presence of the Lord on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, while surrounded by her family. Liz was born to Harry J. Stahl and Marguerite (Archbold) Stahl on June 12, 1935, in Bluffton and remained a lifelong resident of Wells County. She graduated from Lancaster High School in 1953 and married Keith L. Bayless (1935-1985) at the First Baptist Church in Bluffton on August 21, 1954. In 1964 Liz began her job at the Wells County Public Library, helping to run the bookmobile program. She also worked in children’s services and at the circulation desk, and as staff in Tech Services, processing new library materials. She retired after 48 years of service in December 2012 and inspired a love of reading among family, friends, and patrons. Liz loved to play cards, golf, and bowl. She hosted and participated in regular games with close friends, and lovingly introduced and challenged her kids, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to rounds of Hand & Foot, Euchre, Racko, Sequence, and Bridge. She also enjoyed football and was known for her crocheting, cross-stitching, and fondness of puzzles. A faithful servant of the Lord, she became a member of the First Baptist Church of Bluffton in 1954. Liz prioritized participation in a faith community and was dedicated to supporting her congregation’s efforts year-round, especially at Thanksgiving and Christmas. She recently joined the congregation of the First Reformed Church of Bluffton and Pastor Dr. Gene Bell baptized her, with the loving support of church elders and members, before she passed. Liz is survived by her three children, Ann L. Staton, Gay D. Bayless, and Steven K. Bayless; grandchildren Caleb Staton, Seth (Lindsey) Double, Casey (Claire) Staton, Brittany (Dustin) Fremion, Braden (Gillian) Bayless, and Lauren (Ryan) Hasler; nine great-grandchildren; and friends, all of whom she loved dearly. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Keith, and two siblings, Mary Louis Wasson and Joy Clayton Stahl. Funeral services will take place at 2 P.M. on Wednesday, (August 20, 2025) at the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton, with Dr. Bryson “Gene” Bell officiating. Burial will take place at St. Paul Cemetery in Rockcreek Township. Visitation will take place from 12 Noon to 2 P.M. on Wednesday, prior to the service. Preferred memorials are donations to the Wells County Public Library (https://wellscolibrary.org/donation-information/) and First Reformed Church of Bluffton (https://www.firstreformedbluffton.org/give). Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Lemler family of Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton. Friends can send online condolences to the family at www.thomarich.com. John 14:1-4 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”

Elizabeth Ann Bayless

June 12, 1935 - August 13, 2025