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Reatha Bays passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 7, 2026. Born October 7, 1937, to John and Nancy Jane “Janie” Pinard, she was the youngest of five children. She grew up surrounded by family, faith and the small-town values that shaped her gentle strength.
Reatha married E.B. Bays and together they built a loving home and raised three children: Robert, James “Rex” and Janie. When asked what she wanted her obituary to say, she answered with her characteristic humor and simplicity: “I lived and I died.” Yet to those who loved her, her life was so much more.
A woman of quiet strength and unwavering faith, she met life’s many challenges with perseverance, endurance, and determination —including the heartbreaking losses of her husband, son Rex and her daughter-in-law Evelyn and her own battle with cancer. Through it all, always demonstrating hope, joy and unwavering faith.
Reatha found joy in simple, meaningful things: reading, spending time outside, crafting and most of all, caring for her family. She especially treasured time spent with her three grandchildren—Ryan, Alec and Jadon—and found companionship and comfort in her beloved dogs, Odie and Sunny.
Her life was a quiet testimony of love, resilience and devotion.
Survived By:
Robert and Julie Bays; Janie Bays; her grandchildren Ryan
Bays, Alec Bays and Jadon Bays; as well as extended family and many dear
friends.
Preceded in Death By:
Her husband, E.B. Bays; her son, Rex Bays and
her daughter-in-law, Evelyn Bays.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses (jw.org) or Hospice of North Central Oklahoma.
Services will be held on May 9, 2026 at 3:00 pm at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Ponca City.
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