MANHATTAN — Lydia B. Towles, 85, of Manhattan, a former longtime Salina resident, died Wednesday morning, May 11, 2011, at Good Shepherd Hospice House in Manhattan. She had been a Manhattan resident for the past year.

She was born on May 9, 1926, in Garvin, Okla., to Joseph and Nancy Ellen (Whitely) Bayless.

She lived in Salina for many years and was employed with Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. as manager of operator services for more than 30 years. She was a member of Telephone Pioneers of America and enjoyed camping.

On Nov. 1, 1942, in Lamar, Okla., she married Wallace Earl Towles. He preceded her in death on Feb. 6, 2004.

Survivors include a daughter, Debra M. Urbanek and her husband, Carl, of Manhattan; a son, Stephen E. Towles of Fairview Heights, Ill.; a sister, Hazel Kuffler of Parsons; five grandchildren, Jamie Towles, Melissa Anderson and Jeff, Andy and Kati Urbanek; and eight great-grandchildren, Ethan, Mason and Grace Anderson, Baylee and Cooper Towles, Jaden Larson and Tyler and Ethan Urbanek.

Others preceding her in death include her parents, a sister, Leona Welborn; and three brothers, Leon, Bud and Orville Bayless.

Cremation is planned with private inurnment to be held in Roselawn Cemetery in Salina.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.ymlfuneralhome.com.

A memorial has been established for Good Shepherd Hospice House, and contributions may be left in care of Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, 66502.