Melva Alean Bayless

Melva Bayless was born May 14, 1934 in Topeka, KS and passed away peacefully on January 20, 2026 in Lawrence, KS at the age of 91, having been lovingly cared for by her family during her final years.

Melva shared her father’s interests and he provided her with a pony and unlimited train rides while he worked for Santa Fe Railroad. Growing up during the Great Depression had its challenges, especially after her mother became a single parent. Melva deeply loved her twin brothers and quit school so that she could work and support their education.

At the age of 17, Melva took the step of becoming baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. On June 23, 1958, she married Bob Bayless. One of their first adventures together was to travel to the 1958 international convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses held at Yankee Stadium and Polo Grounds in New York. To this day this was the largest convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses ever held.

For two decades, Melva provided support for Bob and their son Stan as they built custom homes together. Sadly, after 31 years of marriage, Bob passed away after a battle with cancer. Later, Melva worked nearly twenty years as an assistant for Dr. Post’s veterinary practice, where her love for animals shone through.

She was a devoted mother of two, encouraging their creativity, scientific curiosity and interests. Later, her grandchildren brought her immense joy and gave her strength to face the challenges of aging.

Preceding her in death are her husband Bob Bayless, her parents Harry and Murrel Northrup (Somers), her brothers Clifford and Clayton. Surviving her are her children, Stan (Kirra) Bayless, Cynthia (John) Underwood, and her beloved grandchildren Bryce Wangerin, Caitlyn (Kevin) Lau, and Adrian Wangerin.

She enjoyed sharing the Bible’s message, which sustained her through the years, because it offers comfort, hope, peace and joy to all. She looked forward to the time when the words of Jesus come true: “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” Matt. 5:5 He promised the earth would be a better place then, “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be anymore pain: for the former things have passed away.” Rev. 21:4.

A Memorial Service will take place at 11:30am Saturday January 24, 2026 at The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 2701 SE Croco Rd, Topeka, KS 66605.

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