Shelby Jean Bays was born in Hazard, Kentucky, on September 21, 1941, to Horce and Nora (Caldwell) Jones. She passed away on October 24, 2021, at her home in Eminence, Missouri.
She was united in marriage to Raymond Bays on March 13, 1958. To this union three sons were born, Charles, Paul, and Chance.
Shelby was preceded in death by her parents, Horce and Nora Jones; one son, Paul Bays; and two brothers, Paul and Earl Jones.
She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Raymond Bays; two sons, Charles Bays and wife, Linda, Chance Bays, and wife, Robin; two brothers, Willie and Cosby Jones; seven grandchildren, Paul, Jr., Shelly, Ronda, Amanda, Nichole, Nora, and Dustin; and many great-grandchildren.
Shelby was a devoted Christian her whole life, and her father was a coal miner, which gave her the love of living in the country. Her favorite color was olive green, and she loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Other hobbies that Shelby enjoyed were playing cards, going to bingo with family, going to sporting events for her grandchildren, having Sunday dinner with family, and spending time with loved ones. She loved making food from scratch, cooking with friends and family, sewing clothes, and crafting.
