Mildred June Bays, 90, formerly of Rothbury, passed away Sunday, August 9, 2026. She was born on January 3, 1936, in Bristol Michigan, the daughter of Maurice and Erma (Minzey) Partridge.

Mildred was a beloved wife, deeply cherished by her family and friends. She dedicated her life to homemaking, raising her five children, until she transitioned into the workforce.

She loved spending time with her husband, especially going on walks and traveling together on bus tours. She also had a special fondness for her collection of antique cars, sewing, playing the piano, and listening to the poetry of Rod McKuen. Over several years, she dedicated her time to leading Girl Scout troops and serving as a leader in the Boy Scouts. She also volunteered at various institutions, including the Frauenthal Center, Hackley & Hume Historic Site, and Shelby Hospital. Furthermore, she was an active member of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, where she served as the Sabbath School Superintendent and was a highly regarded and beloved Bible study instructor.

Mildred is survived by: her husband of 71 years, Merlyn Bays; children, Crystal (Rodger) DeVoogd, Linda (Keith) Sopp, Suzanne (Patrick) Sullivan, William (Patricia) Bays, and Elizabeth Alfrejd; ten grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; brother, Russell (Patti) Partridge; sister-in-law, Shirley (Roger) Zenker; brother-in-law, Larry (Jean) Bays; and many nieces and nephews.

Mildred was preceded in death by: her parents, Maurice and Erma; sister, Carol (Larry) Smith; parents-in-law, Asa and Florence Bays; brother-in-law, Elmer (Jean) Bays; sister-in-law, Doris (Gordon) DeVries.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 am, Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Harris Funeral Home, 267 N. Michigan Avenue, Shelby, Michigan 49455, with Pastor Elijah Ringstaff officiating. Visitation will be held from 10 am until the time of services at Harris Funeral Home on Thursday. Interment will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery, 2900 W. Woodrow Road, Shelby, Michigan 49455. A luncheon will be provided at Shelby Seventh-day Adventist Church, 1929 South 58th Avenue, Shelby, Michigan 49455.

Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is in charge of arrangements.

www.harrisfhome.com