Benalou (Benny) Bailey, born December 30, 1926 to Clarence and Louellen Bradshaw in Davidson, OK, departed this life on February 28, 2018 in Monroe, Washington at 91 years of age. Benalou was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She grew up in Davidson and graduated from high school in 1944. Interestingly, there were only 5 girls in the graduating class, and they remained friends for over 75 years. Following high school, Benalou spent one year attending college in Edmond Oklahoma, then moved on to Oklahoma City. There, on a blind date, she met her husband of 69 years, Breck Bailey. Breck’s work brought an opportunity to move to Canada in 1954. During the twenty years in Canada they raised their family and spent many happy summers at their cabin at Lac Ste Anne, Alberta. Work eventually brought them back to the States, but retirement in 1989 saw Breck and Benny once again living their dream at a lake home on Grand Lake of the Cherokees in Oklahoma.
An avid Dallas Cowboys Football fan, Benalou enjoyed doing petit point needlework, reading, gardening, playing cards, collecting favorite recipes, watching the birds in the yard, and spending time with her family. During her years in Canada, she enjoyed five pin bowling and regularly won bowling tournaments. Benalou’s wit, humor, and caring presence will be missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her children, Cheryl Drummond (Doug) of Edmonton, AB, Gary Bailey of Edmonton, AB, Canada, and Nancy Carothers (Martin) of Monroe, WA, five grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. Benalou was preceded in death by her husband Ellis “Breck” Bailey, both parents, and brother, Robert “Bob” Bradshaw. A graveside service honoring Benalou’s life will be held on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at 1:00 P.M. at the IOOF Cemetery, 21714 Old Owen Rd., Monroe, WA.
