Born May 25, 1931, the fourth Daughter to Dr. Thomas and Gertrude McCleary of Excelsior Springs. At 2 years old, she picked up the heavy brass sleigh bells and ran through the house singing “Jingle Bells.” Her nickname “Jingle’ stayed with her the rest of her life. As well, her love for singing — she knew all the words, and was always in tune.

Some of her fondest memories were making her friendships, especially while attending Excelsior Springs High School and the University of Missouri in Columbia, where she made lifelong friends. She married during college and had five children.

From a second marriage, she was blessed with four stepchildren, and she had 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

She worked for more than 40 years as the assistant to several CEOs and presidents of major corporations. But true to her nature, Jingle lived for her children and Extended family.

And at 70, she found true love with Jerry Bath. Jingle and Jerry had 21-plus years of the most loving, exciting and full days together. With her move back to Excelsior Springs, if it weren’t for cell phones, there would be no way to keep up with them! Whenever together, they reached out to one another, smiling, holding hands.

The family would like to especially thank Vickie Wahler, her doctors and all those at The Excelsior Springs Nursing and Rehab Center, with special thanks to Evie, for all their dedication, time and continued interest in Jingle that helped to make her days pass in comfort and joy.

For the past nine years, and especially these past 6 ½ years, during Jingle’s illness, Jerry’s constant compassion, love and care provided everything in Jingle’s world. All of Jingle’s children cannot imagine a time without a Jerry. It is very hard to realize a world without a Jingle.

Donations can be made in Jingle Bath’s name to: Mount Calvary Lutheran Church; 1215 Baldwin St.; Excelsior Springs, MO 64024 or Liberty Hospice Foundation; PO Box 1002; Liberty, MO 64069.