FOWLER – Marie Bayha, age 91, passed away early Sunday morning, April 10, 2022, at the Minneola Nursing Home, Minneola, Kansas.

She was born June 11, 1930, at Springfield, Colorado, the daughter of Herman Orvel and Minnie M. (Figgins) Zortman. As a young girl, she attended school in Fowler, graduating from Fowler High School in 1948. After her graduation, she attended Friends University in Wichita.

On December 21, 1948, she married Arthur L. (Art) Bayha at Fowler. After their marriage, the couple made their home in Fowler. Over the years, she was an active part of operating the farm and ranch, as well as, raising their family.

She was a member of the Fowler Friends Church, the HDU, served on the Fowler Cemetery Board for many years, and the Fowler School Board. She enjoyed working in her flowerbeds, antiques, sewing, and spending time with her family and friends.

She is survived by a son, Charles Bayha of Dallas, Texas; a daughter, Ardith Lewis of rural Fowler; a brother, Dale Zortman of rural Fowler; three sisters, Marilyn Phillips of Winfield, Kansas, Donna Markley of Augusta, Kansas, and Francis Sigley of Wichita, Kansas; five grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Arthur; a son, Daniel G. Bayha; and a great-grandson, Nick Finke.

There will be no public viewing, as cremation has taken place. Private family graveside services will be held in the Fowler Cemetery. A celebration of life service will be held at the Fowler Friends Church at a later date.

The family would welcome memorials to the American Heart Association or the American Lung Association in care of Fidler-Orme-Bachman Mortuary, Meade.