Nelda June Bayha

Married for forty-four years, Nelda’s love story with her husband, Max, was one for the books. They eloped to Mexico, then married again in the United States. Their bond was one of unwavering love, partnership and everything golf. Nelda was well known for her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. She dominated efforts in real estate and interior design where she was known for bringing beauty and elegance to every project. She was blessed with a gift for decorating and shared her ability to infuse every space with warmth and style.

Nelda had an infectious enthusiasm for the things she loved with an endless energy for business adventures in banking, legal admin, golfing retail, and owner of How Sweet It Is candy and gift shop. If you visited her home, you would see she had a fascination with hummingbirds. But perhaps what she cherished most was her family. Nelda was known as "Nanny" to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, though she often joked that “Mother Superior” would be a more fitting title. With her family living in Texas, family visits were always special and cherished.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Dena McCarther, her beloved husband Max Bayha, her brother Doyle McCarther, and her son-in-law Andy Andersen.

Nelda is survived by her son, Mike O'Day and wife Connie; her daughter, Sandy Albers and husband Bob; her sister-in-law, Shirley McCarther; and a large, loving family, including her grandchildren Laurie Hunt and husband Kyle, Amy Matejek and husband John, Patrick O'Day and wife Katie, and Steve Andersen and wife Ann. Nelda was also a proud great-grandmother to Emma, Sophie, and Jenna Hunt; Rebecca and Ryan Matejek; Mia and Sydney June O'Day; and Jane, Kate, and Andrew Andersen. She will also be missed by numerous nieces, nephews, and their families, as well as her forever friends Dennis and Sue Foster, Javier, Claudia and Misael Carbajal.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Braun, Comfort Choice Hospice, and Home Instead for providing such compassionate care to Nelda in her final weeks. A private family “Celebration of Life” service will be held on April 13, 2025.