Ellen Ina Bailey

Ellen Ina Bailey was born into a warm and loving family, to parents Aune Marja (Mary) Macki and John A Jokinen in Spokane WA, on February 6th 1934. At that time, she joined brother Arthur and sisters June and Wilma. Brother Walter and sister Ruth would join shortly thereafter.

Her father would die of tuberculosis in 1936, leaving her mother a widow of 6 small children. Mary would go on to marry Irven Thompson who adopted Ellen and her siblings. They would add 6 more little ones together; Eugene, Mary Ann, Donna, Paul, Delores, and Nancy.

Later, the family would relocate to Portland where Ellen graduated from Jefferson High School. “Good ol’ Jeff” she’d say with pride, ready at a moment’s notice to sing the school’s fight song with vigor.

On Sept 23, 1961, she married Merle Bailey. Merle had two children from a previous marriage, Steven and Joan, whom she welcomed with an open heart and open arms. She made the house a home. Merle and Ellen were the quintessential neighbors. Always helping someone “next door”, they knew just about everyone on Salmon St. personally. They enjoyed working in the garden, trips to Reno almost yearly, with Ellen always hitting it big on the slots, and a few cruises. Ellen really enjoyed traveling whether that was with Merle or one of her sisters.

She worked in several clerical positions after graduation but found her fit at the Multnomah Education Service District, Central Office in an administrative role. This proved pretty rewarding for her kids and grandkids as she could “spill the beans” on grades and which teacher you were assigned to before the information was publicly released. She had a tireless work ethic both at home and in the office and was well-liked wherever she went. Merle and Ellen were notorious for being up at 3am every morning, no matter the day. There was plenty to do and it was going to get done. She retired in the early 90’s, to enjoy time with Merle and her grandkids.

Grandma was her proudest title. She exemplified the role, not only physically but with the unconditional love you imagine a grandma should have. She showed that love as a consistent presence, being involved with whatever activity was important. She nurtured and cared for her grandkids after school, taxied, played, counseled, and taught by example. She was never cross and never raised her voice, which she always attributed to her mother’s example. Her Christmas’ were legendary and there was no where better than grandma’s house on Christmas day. To say she was generous would be an understatement, she gave freely and with joy in all things.

A person of strong faith, she was a long-time member of the Columbia View Wesleyan Church, in Portland where she enjoyed giving of her time and talents in the garden and spending time with the BYF (Best Years Fellowship) seniors group there. After Merle passed away in 2001, her and her best friend Doug would enjoy attending church together and ministering through outreach programs there. She was known at the church’s yearly bazaar for her salmon sandwiches, a tradition her and Merle began and something she found a lot of joy in providing.

Ellen was a kind and loving daughter, sister, aunt, wife, step-mom, and grandma, who doted on her family and was always willing to lend a hand. This is her lasting legacy. She took pride in her heritage (she was a “full-blooded Finn”), her family, proudly displaying photos of everyone, and her work. She was a gifted musician, who could play the piano beautifully by ear, and a gracious host. She was deeply loved and will be deeply missed.

Ellen passed away peacefully at the age of 89, surrounded by love. We would like to publicly thank Julie Miller for her kindness and respectful care of Ellen for the last 5 years while the effects of dementia took its course.

Ellen is survived by, Daughter, Joan Hendrix (Max), Grandchildren, Nichole Greene (Jeremy), Jennifer Miller (John), Erich Schmidt (Keely), Jacob Hendrix (Kristin) and 11 Great-Grandchildren. Siblings, Mary Ann Meeks, Delores Bader, Nancy Kaiser, Paul Thompson, and many many nieces and nephews who were very dear to her.

She is preceded in death by, Husband, Merle, Son, Steven, Grandson, Peter Schmidt and Great-Granddaughter, Kailey Greene. Brothers; Walt, Eugene, and Art and sisters; Wilma, June, Ruth, and Donna. And also, her friend, Doug McLean.

A funeral service will take place at 10:00 am on Friday, March 3, 2023 at Rockwood Church of God, 133 NE 192nd Avenue in Portland. Ellen will be privately laid to rest at Willamette National Cemetery next to her husband Merle Kenneth Bailey, who preceded her in death in 2001.