Jeffersonville, Indiana - Mary Ellen Bayens, 73, of Jeffersonville, Indiana, passed away on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at U of L Health - Jewish Hospital. Born on November 16, 1952, to William Bower and Dorothy Bower, Mary was a woman who defied stereotypes. As she grew older, she didn't settle into simplicity; instead, she became more vibrantly herself—honing in on the specific passions that brought her joy.

Mary is reunited in peace with her husband, Charles "Chuck" Bayens; her parents; her brothers, Gary and Jerry Bower; and her stepfather, Charles Brameier.

She is survived by her children, Lauren Elyse Bayens and Kent Edward Bayens; her sisters, Sherry Wilson and Kerry Begley; sisters-in-law Paula and Gwinda Bower; and a loving host of nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her beloved cat, Maggie.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026, at E.M. Coots' Sons Funeral Home. Visitation will take place on Thursday, February 5, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and again on Friday from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service. Following the service, Mary will be cremated, and her remains will be interred with her husband at Walnut Ridge Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that expressions of sympathy be made in Mary's honor to Dare to Care.