Catherine Bayles Obituary

Catherine Marie "Toddy" Bayles passed away Friday, April 14 at the age of 98. She was born on Christmas Day 1914 to Oscar and Maggie Bayles of Prophetstown, Ill. She grew up on her family's farm and graduated with a degree in Music from Illinois State University. She was an accomplished pianist. She married her childhood sweetheart, Jack, who was a waist gunner on a B-17 and a POW during the war. After the war they moved to Florida where Jack sang with the big bands that toured Miami Beach. She gave birth to her one and only child, Kimball Sean in 1952. Her life spanned most of the 20th century, and the things she did and saw paralleled that amazing time in history. Catherine had a wonderful, youthful spirit that engaged all who knew her. Although she had only one son, she was mother to many. She became a grandmother at 90; her granddaughter was the crowning glory of a rich, long life. The family would like to thank all of her caregivers at Winfield House and Sunny Vista for their exceptional care. A memorial will be held on Saturday, April 27 at the home of her son.