WBKR’s Aunt Mary Passes Away at 86 [Photos]

She loved ringing in the New Year with Steve Horn.  She loved visiting The WBKR Waking Crew and hanging out in the studio with Moon and me.  She didn't mind us busting up into her yard sales and broadcasting live from her front yard.  She had a massive crush on Alan Jackson and, literally, had a shrine to him in her home.  And she made the best chess bars in the world.  We absolutely loved and adored Mary Catherine Bayles and are so sad to report our Aunt Mary has passed away at the age of 86.

Mary Catherine Bayles' obituary (from the Messenger-Inquirer)

Mary Catherine "Aunt Mary" Bayles, 86, of Utica passed away Tuesday, March 24, 2015, at her home. She was born Aug. 1, 1928, in Daviess County, daughter of the late Oscar and Anna Mae Goatee Daugherty. She was a member of Utica Methodist Church where she taught Bible School for many years. She also was a member of the Alan Jackson Fan Club, enjoyed growing flowers and going to the ballpark to watch her grandchildren play ball.

She also was preceded in death by her husband, George Lee Bayles, in 1977; a son, Steve R. Jones; infant son Gary; infant daughter Terry; a son-in-law, Kenny Kirtley, a sister, Lelia Merritt; and a brother, Robert Daugherty.

Surviving are one daughter, Bonnie J. Kirtley; two sons, David H. (partner Becky) Bayles of Owensboro and Jerry L. (Ruthie) Bayles of Utica; a daughter-in-law, Joyce Jones of Utica; someone special, Alan Jackson; seven grandchildren, Michael Bayles, Matthew (Audrey) Bayles, Christy (Taylor) Redfern, Kevin Jones, Trina (Tinker) Cravens, Rich (Jesica) Kirtley and April (Bill) Berry; 14 great-grandchildren, Katelyn Kirtley, Gavin Kirtley, Lily Berry, Xander Berry, Aiden Bayles, Jace Bayles, Keagyn Rhinerson, Cooper Redfern, Hayden Redfern, Kayla Jones and Zack Jones, Trinity Cravens, Chasity Cravens and Hollie Cravens; one brother, Danny Daugherty of Owensboro; and three sisters, Betty Young of Owensboro, Elizabeth Moore of Knottsville and Louise Chaney of Oklahoma.

Aunt Mary took many trips to Nashville for Fanfair week, concerts, Grand Old Opry and especially Alan Jackson concerts. She also leaves behind her second family at the radio stations, WBKR and WBIO, where she spent many fun-filled hours broadcasting Aunt Mary's Country Gold and giving weather reports. She did the New Year's Eve show at the Big E with Steve Horn for many, many years.

She enjoyed baking her breads and pies, especially her chess bars and coconut pies, and she sold them at the Greenville flea market every Tuesday. She had many special friends at the flea market. She also leaves behind many dear friends, way too many to mention.

Services are noon Friday at Haley-McGinnis & Owensboro Funeral Home with burial to follow in Calhoun Cemetery. Visitation is from 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday and after 10 a.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to Hospice of Western Kentucky, 3419 Wathens Crossing, Owensboro, KY 42301. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.