Jessica Mae Bayles

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jessica (Jessie) Mae Bayles,
who left this world too soon on December 6, 2024, at the age of 24. Jessie was born
on February 9, 2000, in Columbus, Ohio to John and Barbara(Freeman) Bayles.
An accomplished young woman, Jessie was a 2018 graduate of River Valley High
School graduating with honors being 8th out of her class. She excelled in various
activities that showcased her talents and interests. Her passion for music was evident
as she participated in the concert band, jazz band, orchestra, and marching band,
ultimately serving as the drum major. Jessie had an extraordinary love for dance,
embracing styles including tap, clog, Irish, and jazz, which brought her immense joy at
Carol Ault’s Dance Factory.
Jessie was raised in a loving family, and she will always be her mommies Tasmanian
devil and little peanut butter cup. She had so much love for all animals and grew up
on a chicken farm. Her passion and love for animals continued, she was always
rescuing and bottle feeding kittens. She had a love for showing cattle for many years.
Her dedication to her community was evident through her involvement in organizations
such as the FFA, and 4-h as she was an active member.
Professionally, Jessie worked as an office clerk at the Morrow County Municipal Court.
She also continued to be involved in the school by becoming the highschool assistant
band director and later on the show choir director.
In April 2024, Jessie became engaged to the love of her life, Micheal Benjamin, during
a trip to Sarasota, Florida marking the beginning of what was to be a beautiful life
together. Their love story was one filled with laughter, support, and shared dreams for
the future, which makes her untimely passing even more heartbreaking for those who
knew them. Her dream was to buy a two story house with lots of land and raise horses
and dogs.
She is survived by her mother and father John and Barbara Bayles of Edison, her two
beloved sisters, Melissa (Jake) Caldwell of Marion and Katelynn (Ryan Mowers) Bayles
of Mt. Gilead who will forever cherish the memories they created together. She is also
survived by her fiancé Micheal Benjamin of Marion, her soon to be in laws Gina(Reece)
Kaple of Deleware, Katrina Jackson and son Cash Martin of Grove City, grandmother
Nancy Bayles of Caledonia, her aunts and uncles, Barbara(Robert) Rainer of Caledonia
, Steven(Jenny) Bayles of Caledonia, Michelle Gattshall of Crestline, Diana Beccard of

Ceres,CA, Ray Freeman of Caledonia, David(Kathy) Freeman of Cardington, as well as
her cherished nephew, Leelan Mowers, and two nieces, Oaklynn and Stella Mowers of
Mt. Gilead, along with numerous cousins and friends. Jessie’s family meant the world
to her, and she took great pride in being a devoted daughter and a loving aunt and
sister.
Jessie’s life may have been brief, but it was filled with love, laughter, and kindness. Her
spirit will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of those who had the privilege of
knowing her. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the
Marion County Humane Society, an organization that was close to Jessie’s heart,
reflecting her love for animals and her compassion for all living beings including her
two precious dogs at home Bella and Bentley and her cat Bailey.
Friends and family are invited to celebrate Jessie's life on December 16, 2024, from 5-8
p.m at Boyd Funeral Home in Marion, Ohio. This gathering will honor the memories we
shared, the love we felt, and the remarkable person Jessie was. The funeral will take
place Tuesday December 17, 2024 at 11 A.M. After the funeral there will be a
procession to the Caledonia Cemetery for the committal service. The Boyd funeral
home is honored to assist the family of Jessica Mae Bayles in their time of mourning.

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