Obituaries

June 14, 1921 to June 3, 2016

RENSSELAER - Florida Bailey, 94, of Bailey’s Corner, passed away Friday, June 3, 2016, at her home.

She was born June 14, 1921, in DeCoy, Ky., daughter of the late Kelley and Verdie Smith Stone. She grew up in Kentucky and moved to Jasper County at the age of 18. On Sept. 25, 1941, in Rensselaer, she married Jess Willard Bailey. He preceded her in death on June 4, 2001.

She is survived by children: Gerri (Claude) Napier of Rensselaer, Charles “Beetle” (Peggy) Bailey of Winchester, Ky., Brenda (Paul) Denham of Rensselaer, Susie (Jim) Wall of Medaryville, and Nathian (Sonya) Bailey of Bailey’s Corner; one sister, Maxine Heims of Francesville; two brothers, Herman Stone of Rensselaer and Therman (Darlene) Stone of Bailey’s Corner; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by two daughters, Barbara Owens and Betty Jean Kessler; and four sisters: Carmelle Owsley, Gladys Stepp, Alma Wireman, and Lorraine Bailey.

Mrs. Bailey was a homemaker and a pastor’s wife. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She had a strong faith in God. She loved reading her Bible and attending church with her family. She enjoyed gardening and canning the fruits and vegetables she grew in her garden. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed preparing meals for family and friends. She was a talented quilter and made beautiful quilts. In her younger days, she enjoyed singing and playing the guitar. She was a kind, good-natured person who never met a stranger.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. (CT), Tuesday, June 7, at the United Baptist Church of Gillam Township in Bailey’s Corner. A Celebration of Life service will be at 6 p.m. The funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., (CT), Wednesday, June 8, at the church with Pastor John Miller officiating. Interment will follow at Independence Cemetery. A funeral dinner will be held at the church following interment.

Memorials may be made to Franciscan Home Health Care & Hospice or the United Baptist Church of Gillam Township.

Steinke Funeral Home of Rensselaer is handling the arrangements. Share memories and condolences online at www.SteinkeFuneralHome.com.