CARBONDALE, Kan. – Connie E. (Bayless) Perry, 83, was born Dec. 1, 1939, to James A. and Audrey Marie Bayless. She grew up in Carbondale, Kan., along with her six siblings. After graduating from Carbondale High School, she moved to Florida for several years, only to return to Carbondale, where she met and later married Jim Perry, with whom she had four children, Nancy (Haufler), Jennifer (Elliott), Cynde (Foltz) and Jim.
Connie worked for Bell South in Florida, and later Southwestern Bell/AT&T, Topeka, Kan., from where she proudly retired in 1991. Connie also worked several years at the Wal-Mart Distribution Center, Ottawa, Kan.
She was the proud Granny to many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. One could see that love by looking at the many pictures she always displayed throughout her home. In addition to the love of her family, she was a huge NASCAR and KC Royals fan, which kept her occupied from February through October. She had her outdoor plants in the summer, and kept her bird feeders full year-round. She also had a love for dogs and would take in a stray in a heartbeat. Her beloved Sophie passed several years ago, which was one of the hardest things she had to live through. She loved to crochet, and has provided blankets to many. She enjoyed doing puzzles, especially with her kids and grandkids. She was also up for eating bacon and eggs at any meal of the day, and loved her coffee, morning, noon and night.
Preceding her in death were her parents, James and Marie Bayless; brothers, Merle Bayless, Jim Bayless and Larry Bayless; and the father of her children, Jim Perry.
She is survived by her children, Nancy (Ernie) Haufler, Jennifer Elliott, Cynde (Rod) Foltz, and Jim (Jodi) Perry; grandchildren, Joey Elliott (two children), Megan (Elliott) Frederick (two children), Rachel Haufler, Ethan Haufler, Brynna Perry; step-grandchildren, Danielle (Foltz) Charlton (four children) and Michelle Foltz; and siblings, Bonnie Sisco, Nina Rutledge and Don Bayless.
Connie passed away comfortably Dec. 27, 2022. She was surrounded by her family in the days and minutes prior to passing.
A celebration of life is planned for 12-4 p.m. Saturday, March 18, 2023, at Lake Shawnee Shelter House No. 3, 3916 SE Memory Point, Topeka, Kan.
