Obituary of Barbara Bays

Barbara Jean Bays (Pingel), 89, of Niles, passed away peacefully early Sunday, September 5, 2021, surrounded by family after a fulfilling 89 years of life. Barb was born July 7, 1932, to Henry and Virginia Pingel in South Bend, Indiana. As a teenager, the family moved to Niles, Michigan where she graduated from Niles High School in 1950. Later that year, she married the love of her life, Jacob Bays, at the Saint Hedwig Catholic Church Rectory on November 18th. Barb and Jake were married for 70 years at the time of her passing. In that time, they had three wonderful children and she worked at the service desk of the Board of Public Works in Niles. She retired around 1979 and from there she spent her time and energy caring for her family, especially her beloved grandchildren. They will continue to cherish the fond memories they shared with her and the love she had for them. Barb is preceded in death by both parents; brother, Ronald Pingel (Reba); sister, Dorothy Mears (Chuck); son, Donald Bays and granddaughter, Jennifer Antisdel. Surviving her death, she leaves her husband, Jacob; daughters, Judy Brockway and Carol Kurty (Lee); sister, Kathleen Petruska (Tom); five grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Saint Mark's Catholic Parish at 3 N. 19th Street in Niles, Michigan, at 11:00 AM on Friday, September 17, 2021. The service will be celebrated by Father Peter Rocca, C.S.C. and Brother Dennis Meyers, C.S.C. of the parish. A luncheon will follow the service at the parish hall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either St Jude’s Hospital or Shriners Hospital for Children. Memories of Barbara may be shared with her family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Niles.