Brenda Jean (Harrington) Bays, 74, born in Boswell, Oklahoma to Jesse and Ruth Harrington.

At the age of 2 they moved to Tularosa for a brief period before settling in Alamogordo, NM. She graduated from Alamogordo High School in 1962 and on April 27, 1968 married Herb Bays. They resided in Alamogordo until 1974 when they moved to Grant County to begin ranching at Mulecreek and later Redrock.

She was a loving wife and mother and took great pride in her care of family and home. Cowboys who helped the family always looked forward to her great cooking.

She was active in the Copper Cowbells and loved to watch her kids and grandkids compete in 4H activities and show animals at the fairs.

She worked at Maxwell House in Silver City and thoroughly enjoyed her time there and the many friends she made.

Later in life she traveled with Herb to various parts of the country to include a trip to Alaska. She enjoyed playing slot machines and had a knack for beating them. She fought a long and valiant battle with grace and honor to the end. She was really looking forward to their 50th wedding anniversary and fought on to succeed.

She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Herb Bays, stepson Trey (Laura) of Las Cruces, son Ty (Sherri) of Hurley, daughter Tracye (Cole) Young of Tucson, AZ, and grandkids Nickelynn, Taryn, Kyle, Brandon, Clell and Ketch, and great-grandkids, sister Pam Smith and brothers Danny, Ronald, Wendell, and Mike and one special niece, Nicole and numerous other nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you donate in her name to one of the following organizations: Copper Cowbells, Cliff-Gila Grant County Fair Association, Grant County Cattle Growers, or R-Calf USA.

At her request no public service will be held. Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777.

To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.