Amy Jean Bays

Amy Jean Bays, aged 84, died on December 22, 2025 in Marietta, Ohio. She was born on January 28, 1941 to Eugene and Marjorie Rodabaugh in Hamilton, Ohio.

Amy grew up in Loch Haven, Pennsylvania where she loved to ride her bike to the soda fountain and movie theater. She was an excellent student, and after graduating second in her high school class, Amy attended William & Mary where she sang in the choir, played lacrosse, once accidently set off a small explosion in the chemistry lab, and majored in French. Later, as a young wife and mom, Amy took accounting classes at Marietta College and worked as an accountant for many years. Amy was a long-time member of the Marietta Reading Club. She enjoyed singing in her sweet soprano voice, particularly The Messiah, as well as reading, designing her own jewelry, collecting rocks and minerals, swimming, walking, biking, and traveling to places that were special to her, including Lakeside in Ohio, West Virginia State Parks, the Outer Banks, Ocracoke Island, Lost Cove in Maine, England, and France. She was an avid wildflower hunter and sometimes surprised her passengers by suddenly pulling the car to the side of the road and leaping out, guide in hand, to identify a plant. Finally, Amy had a wonderful sense of humor, was a talented cook and baker, and a creative seamstress who made amazing Halloween costumes including a clown, parrot, bunny, and most recently, a skunk.

Amy treasured her friends from high school, college, work, and the Marietta community. She was the very best wife, mom, grandmother, and great grandmother.

Amy is survived by her husband of 44 years, John Arthur Bays; children, Chip and Merritt (Phil); step-daughters, Laura and Cynthia (John); grandson, Matthias; step-grandchildren, Emmy, Maddie (Austin), Lyndee, John Allan, and Maya; step-great grandchildren, Declan, Trulyn, and Alora; brother-in-law, Bob (Beth), and; sister-in-law, Mary Beth (John).

A celebration of Amy’s life will be held in the Spring of 2026, when the flowers bloom once again. McClure-Schafer-Lankford Funeral Home is assisting the family. Messages of sympathy may be sent at www.Lankfordfh.com.