Edythe Bailey

ROCKFORD, IL. Edythe M. Bailey, 94, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, November 11, 2015, surrounded by her family. Born December 15, 1920, to Harry and Mary (Zimmerman) Woehler, in Ottawa, Il where her father was a blacksmith for over 50 years. In 1945 she married Reuben D. Anderson, he later died in 1967. She married Frank N. Bailey in 1972. After his retirement, Edythe lovingly cared for him until his death in 1987. Edythe was the private secretary to Mr. Andrew Wintercorn, a Rockford patent attorney. She was chosen as Secretary of the Year by the National Secretaries Assoc. As a gardener, she was a member of the Winnebago Co. Garden Club and went on to become a master gardener for Lake Placid Florida Garden Club. Her love of travel led her to all 50 states and several countries. Her family and friends were often recipients of her talents for cooking and entertaining. She also was gifted in sewing, quilting, flower arranging, bridge, and her appreciation for nature. In later years, Edythe’s dear friend and companion Dale Finch shared her love of travel and gardening until his death in 2012. Edythe showcased her generosity, beautifying Midway Village Museum and volunteering to teach flower arranging to inmates at Avon Park Correctional Institution. Gracious and loving to everyone will be her legacy.

Survivors: children, Ron (Patricia) Bailey, Nancy (Jerry) Shear, special daughter, Terry Lutger; grandchildren, James (Paula) Bailey, Michael (Crystal) Bailey, Stacy (John) Cromwell and Matthew Shear; six great-grandchildren; loving cousin, Farley Andrews.

Our heartfelt gratitude to Highview in the Woodlands Rockton, Il. In home Medical Group and Northern Illinois Hospice for their professional and loving care.

Memorial Service: 10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 20, 2015 at Sunset Funeral Home 8800 N. Alpine Rd. Machesney Park, Il. Burial immediately following at Sunset Memorial Gardens. To express condolences, visit www.sunsetfhmemgardens.com