Marie Kay Bone Bailey

Marie Kay Bone Bailey, age 81, passed away at home, surrounded by her family, on Sunday, August 10, 2025. Marie’s family mourns her loss deeply but takes comfort in knowing that she has been set free from the terrible disease of dementia and that it will no longer be able to steal her memories and her outgoing personality.

Marie was born and raised in Mackay, Idaho. She met the love of her life, Brent Chad Bailey, when she was fourteen years old. They were married at St. Barbara Catholic Church in Mackay on August 31, 1963, when they were both just 19 years old. They moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, where Brent enrolled at the University of Utah and Marie began working as a file clerk for American Agencies to support Brent as he earned his degree. Marie and Brent welcomed their three daughters, Suzanne, Amy, and Mary, while living in Utah and Marie transitioned from her job as a file clerk to her role as a full-time homemaker.

In 1974, the family moved to Pocatello, Idaho to be closer to Brent and Marie’s parents and siblings. Before her youngest daughter started elementary school, Marie made the bold decision to enroll in nursing school at Idaho State University. While raising her daughters and maintaining the family home, Marie also excelled at school. She graduated magna cum laude with her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing in May 1980.

Marie began working as a Registered Nurse immediately after graduating, including at Bannock Memorial Hospital in Pocatello, Idaho and Salmon Memorial Hospital in Salmon, Idaho. After the family moved to the suburbs of Denver in 1982, she began working as a float pool nurse at Porter Memorial Hospital. She had a deep and unshakeable belief in God and found her calling by working in a faith-based hospital system. Over the next twenty years, Marie worked her way through the Centura Health clinical and administrative ranks. During this time, she also continued her professional studies. In December 1993, she earned a Master of Science in Nursing (Nursing Administration) from Regis University. While enrolled at Regis, she was recognized and honored with the Outstanding Graduate Nursing Award. Marie’s hard work and dedication culminated in her appointment as the Vice-President and Chief Nursing Officer at Littleton Adventist Hospital. As both a nurse and a nursing administrator, Marie was a fierce

advocate for nurses while also demanding the highest levels of patient care. She gave her whole self to her job while developing meaningful and lasting friendships with her co-workers, who described her as a source of inspiration with a mischievously fun side as well. Marie initially attempted retirement in 2006 but found the call of the hospital too strong and served in various interim positions at both Littleton and Parker Adventist Hospitals over the next several years. Although she finally retired in 2012, she remained active in hospital committees until she was no longer physically able to do so.

Marie was equally successful and loved in her personal life. She was kind, selfless, strong, and modest. She appreciated her achievements but was not one to flaunt them. Above all, Marie was a loving and dedicated wife to Brent for more than 61 years; she was immensely proud of her daughters; and she adored – and spoiled – her five grandchildren. Before dementia took its hold on her, Marie enjoyed spending time with her family or socializing with her friends. She particularly enjoyed lunches with friends, playing cards, and golf. She was active with the Lone Tree Arts Center Guild and also participated regularly in other senior living activities in Lone Tree. She was a parishioner at St. Thomas More Catholic Church and attended mass every Sunday for as long as she was able. Marie also enjoyed reading mystery novels (paperback only, of course), her Bibles, and inspirational publications.

Marie is survived by her adoring husband, Brent, and her proud daughters, Suzanne Kay (David) Rizley of Castle Rock, CO; Amy Kay (Rick) Cardone of Golden, CO; and Mary Kay (Rick) Silver of Highlands Ranch, CO, as well as her grandchildren Kate (Collin) Randall; Nicole Rizley; Abigayle Owens; Olivia Owens; and Kahler Cardone. She is also survived by the sisters she loved dearly Lowayne Rosenkrance and Irene Bitton. She was predeceased by her parents, Wayne and Lois Bone, and her brother, Glen Bone.

Brent and the girls and their families would like to thank Nancy Taylor for the support and care she gave Marie over the past two years. They would also like to thank Grace Mossman, who so kindly brought communion to Marie. The compassionate caregivers at Berkley Hospice and Atlee Home Care made it possible for Marie to spend her final days at home with the family and they are recognized with appreciation and thanks. Additionally, Marie’s family is immensely grateful to those who have visited, called, and reached out to offer their love, support, and well wishes.

A funeral mass will be held for Marie at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 8035 S. Quebec Street, Centennial, Colorado 80112. The Chaplet of the Divine Mercy will be prayed immediately before the mass, beginning at 10:15 a.m. A light lunch will follow the service at the church, in The Padre café. Marie’s ashes will be interred in Mackay, Idaho.

Marie’s family will deeply miss her. They know that her legacy will continue to resonate and live on in those who loved her.

In lieu of flowers, they ask that donations be made to Saint Thomas More Catholic Church and The Alzheimer’s Association.