Jan Gay Bales, 73, of Mulvane, KS passed away Saturday, September 9, 2023 at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis Hospital.

Jan was born August 12, 1950 in Wichita, KS to parents Clarence and Lilah (Kasenberg) McCarter. She graduated from East High School in Wichita in 1968. Jan began working at Southwest Bell and was the first female switchman operator in Kansas, she retired in 2006 after a 30+ year career with Southwestern Bell. She also worked for Dillions, and in the Mulvane school’s kitchen and as a school bus driver. On June 20, 1981 Jan was united in marriage to Ron Bales in Wichita, KS. She enjoyed watching movies, cooking, painting t-shirts, cross-stitching, traveling and going on vacation. Jan was also a member of the Pioneers Phone Club.

Survivors include her husband Ron Bales, daughter Ashley Bales, son Morgan Bales, stepdaughter Tiffany (Troy) Spencer, grandchildren Ariyanna and Amiyah, step-grandchildren Maclaine Noxon (Jake) and Madison Spencer, step-great-granddaughter Winslow, and sister Pam Overstreet.

Private family celebration of life services will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Oxford Funeral Service – PO Box 123, Oxford, KS 67119 to defray expenses.