A memorial service for Lee Ann Marie Bailey, formerly of Chadron, NE will be Friday, August 22, 2014, at 10:00 AM at Grace Episcopal Church in Chadron, NE.
A memorial has been established to the Grace Church in Chadron, NE or Hospice of Havasu, Lake Havasu City, AZ.
Lee Ann Marie Bailey, of Lake Havasu City AZ, went home to Jesus on July 11, 2014, after a lengthy battle with PSP – Progressive Supranulcear Palsy. She lived with grace and dignity, never complaining, to her last breath.
At home by her side was her husband, Doug, who diligently lived out his vows by honoring her in health and sickness.
Lee Ann was born in Faribault, Minnesota on July 28, 1944 to the late Cletus Stangler and her mother Sarah. At age eleven she moved from Minnesota to Phoenix, Arizona.
She graduated from Carl Hayden High School in Phoenix AZ in 1962 – where she was a member of the National Honor Society and also an accomplished flutist.
On April 5, 1962, she married Doug during a small family ceremony. They celebrated their 52nd Anniversary in April. Lee Ann became a doting mother to their three children.
She was the definition of a doting wife and mother and adored grandmother – loving each child as if they were her favorite.
In September 1968 they left Phoenix and moved their family to Chadron, NE to fulfill their dream of owning their own business, which they saw come to fruition as Bailey Tire & Service.
Lee Ann always stayed busy volunteering her time and being an active member of the community.
Over the years she worked at Eitemiller Oil, Forest Services, Pamida, Bailey Tire & Service and as a substitute for Hot Springs School District. She was a leader for both the local Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.
She was also a member of P.E.O., B.P.O.E. DOES, Mrs. Jaycees, and Junior Wrestling. She taught Sunday school and was a member of several committees at their home church, Grace Episcopal, for many years.
She and her husband were long time supporters of Chadron State College and hosted many after tournament gatherings for the Don Beebe Classic at their home.
She was a wonderful cook and baker and shared that gift with everyone. Traveling and entertaining guests was something she and her husband loved to do together.
They always made a point to entertain friends wherever they were, whether it be at home in Phoenix, Chadron, Hot Springs, Mexico or on a boat at Lake Angostura, they were sure to be having a good time with others.
They hosted countless holidays and events with friends and family that will not soon be forgotten.
She had a green thumb and loved to tend her vegetable garden, always wearing a sun hat, and perfected making homemade spicy pickles with her cucumber crop.
She was also an avid reader, Neil Diamond fan, lover of cards games – including bridge and enjoyed sewing for and with her children and grandchildren.
Lee Ann was a woman of quiet but steady faith and leaves a long legacy of love behind for her family. She will be beyond missed and
Immediate survivors:
Mother: Sarah “Peg” Stangler;
Sisters: Sara, Linda and Mary
Husband: Douglas “Doug” Bailey
Rick & Kim Bailey, Gary & Jennifer Bailey, and Curt & Cathy Bagby
Grandchildren: 8
Great grandchildren: 3
Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.