Christy Lynn Bayless

Christy Lynn Bayless, age 71, of Springfield, passed away Monday, November 1st, 2021, at Cox South Medical Center.
Christy was born September 7th, 1950, in Joplin, MO to Herman "Buster" and Lila "Max" Nivens. She was united in marriage to William "Mike" Bayless on December 23, 1967. Chris had many jobs to help support her family, including retiring from Walmart after 20 years as a Pharmaceutical Technician. She enjoyed decorating her home for each changing season and holiday, keeping a tidy house and yard, and was an extraordinary cook, storyteller, artist, and writer.
Chris was a character! She LOVED dressing up and hosting holidays. She had a quick-witted sense-of-humor that kept everyone smiling. She was very devoted to her Bible studies and was happy to share her love for Jesus with anyone. Chris was an honest, hard-working, and generous woman who never let her physical inabilities keep her from losing faith or sight of her dreams. Her greatest gift and attribute was her eternal love for all five of her children.
Survivors include her brother, Ben Nivens (wife Elaine and three children), son, Michael Bayless (wife April and children, Sage and Jordan), son, Matt Bayless (wife Carol and their fur babies), daughter, Ashley Bayless, daughter Logan Waggoner (husband Paul and children, Liam and Collin), son, Mark Bayless (fiance Katie Groves and their children Gage and Bexley), two sister-in-laws, Barbara Kae (husband Dana Webster) and Becky (husband Mike Wellington), Uncle Harry Miles, a host of nieces and nephews, and her "ferocious" protector, Sydney.
Christy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Mike Bayless (and his parents, Bill and Barbara, and his brother Robert); parents Bus and Max Nivens, and her beloved aunts, Marie Miles and Hazel Thompson, and a number of aunts and uncles.
The family would like to thank Good Shepherd Hospice for all the care and support that they gave to Christy the last 16 months.
The family will receive friends from 6:30-8:30 pm, Friday, November 5, 2021 at Greenlawn Funeral Home. A celebration of Christy's life will be held Saturday, November 6th, 2021, at 1:00pm in Greenlawn Funeral Home South.