Catherine M. Bayless (née Garrett), 104, a lifelong Hobart resident, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. She was born on March 10, 1922, in Gary, Indiana, to the late Henry and Bessie Garrett. In 1945, Catherine was baptized and faithfully served as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses for 81 years. On January 9, 1943, she married the love of her life, Benjamin Bayless, in South Bend, Indiana.

Catherine loved studying the Bible and sharing it with others, especially her family. Her beautiful life allowed her to enjoy being a caring and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She will be remembered for her kindness, strength, and unwavering love, leaving behind a legacy that will continue through the generations she cherished.

She is survived by her loving children: Barbara (David) Quinlan, Rodney (Gay) Bayless, Ben (Nina) Bayless, Mary Jane (Darren) Williams, and Linda (Paul) Dipiazza; daughter-in-law, Elaine Cole; grandchildren, Rebecca Crum, Wendy Kirpanos, David Quinlan, Michelle Goldschmidt, Ben J. Bayless, Ryan Booth, Penny Clackley, Heather Weber, Jennifer Gabrielli, Rod Bayless, Kimberly Carpenter, Dawn Williams, Rebecca Secco, Jared Bayless, Ross Williams; and numerous great-grandchildren; and many other loving family members and friends who will miss her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Benjamin Bayless; her son, Timothy Cole; her brothers, Glenn, Corky, and Charlie Garrett; her brother-in-law, Rodney Bayless; her sisters, Mildred Lorenz and Geraldine Rayner; and grandson, Matthew Quinlan.

In accordance with Catherine's wishes, there will be a memorial service at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 2727 Cleveland Ave., Hobart, IN on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 3:00 pm and on Zoom, please contact a family member for information. Elder Brother Chris Gabrielli, officiating. Cremation has been entrusted to Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel. A private burial of her cremated remains will take place at Mount Hope Cemetery in Peru, Indiana.

For more information, please call (219) 942-2109. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.