Iola Bay

Iola Mae Bay, loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend went to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 27, 2016. She was 97 years old. At the time of her passing, she was residing at Willow Care Nursing Home in Willow Springs, Missouri and departed this earth surrounded by family and friends.
Iola, daughter of Millard and Dora Kirk was born November 30, 1918 in Westville, Oklahoma. She married the love of her life, Herchal Elmer Bay on November 30, 1945 in Hobbs, New Mexico. Together they had four wonderful children: James (Jimmy), Dean, Patty, and Jack. As Herchal was in the military, they traveled and lived all over the United States and abroad.
Iola took on many challenges during her lifetime, such as picking cotton as a young child, becoming Rosie the Riveter during World War II, and working in an ammunition, canning, and plastics factory.
One of her biggest accomplishments was earning her G.E.D. As the oldest girl out of nine siblings, she had to quit school after completing the 4th grade to help at home. Always wanting to finish school, Iola went back, and, at the age of 60, earned her G.E.D.
When not working, Iola was a lifetime member of the Eastern Star and VFW Ladies Auxiliary. She was an extraordinary woman who loved to crochet, listen to gospel music, work outside in her yard where she had more flowers than could be counted. But most of all, she loved her children and grandchildren unconditionally.
Iola was preceded in death by her parents; husband Herchal; three sons, Jimmy, Dean and Jack: one grandson, James (Jimmy) McCandless; four brothers, James, John, Elmer and Paul; three sisters, Minnie, Carrie and Ruth.
Iola is survived by one sister; Edith Bias, daughter, Patty Hunt; five grandchildren: Jeanetta and husband Mark Brooks; Lee and wife Apirl Hunt; Billy and wife Leslie Bay; Jeremy Bay and Joshua Bay, seven great-grandchildren; Brittney and husband Wesley Collins; Jessica Brooks and boyfriend Taz Harper; Chris Brink, Ashton Hunt, Sylas Bay, Wylie Bay and Zane Bay; two Great- great grandchildren, Jace Letterman and Paxton Harper; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, March 3, 2016 at Westville City Cemetery with Pastor Mike Hayes officiating. Interment followed under the direction of Roberts & Hart Funeral Home, Westville, OK.

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