“It is, what it is” – as she would say and so it is that on August 15, 2024, Mary Louise Bailey, age 95, born March 3, 1929, passed away peacefully and with God’s grace joined her husband, Roderick. They were married for 69 years until his passing in 2016. Their union produced four children, Sandra (Greg) Silver, Larry (Charlottte) , Nancy (Tom) Nolan, and Mark (Judy).
She was the first child of Lloyd and Louise (Schwagmeier) Lee. Preceding her in death were: brothers, Lester, Fred, Jerry, Charles, and granddaughter, Sarah.
She is survived by brother, Ralph and sisters: Joyce Sefton and Anna Jo Chandler, eleven grandchildren, and sixteen great -grandchildren.
Throughout their adult lives, Rod and Mary resided on the homesteaded farm near St. Paul. She was raised in Clinton Township and graduated from Sandusky High School. She was known for her expansive and productive vegetable and native-flower garden. Her natural green thumb could save even the sorriest of house plants, turning it into a blooming wonder.
An accomplished seamstress, she lovingly sewed throughout the years many prom dresses; cheerleader and pompom uniforms; doll clothes; dresses for her granddaughters, great-granddaughters, nieces, and grand-nieces; wedding gowns; caps for breast cancer survivors; and in recent years, infant burial gowns for area hospitals.
In her younger years, Mary worked as a bookkeeper at Tree City Tool and Die and for Lou Millman, CPA.
She was a member of the Eastern Star Milford Lodge for over 50 years, and served her turn as Worthy Matron. She was a member of the local St. Paul area Home Economics Club.
In the later half of her life, she took up sketching and painting. She was a talented and admired artist. Recognized with numerous awards for her oil paintings. She especially enjoyed painting with her daughters and her grandchildren. Mary was a great listener and trusted confidante. She always offered encouragement and positive support to others, most noticeably with her grandchildren. She saw good in everyone and silver linings in most clouds. She loved to laugh, finding special humor in her husband’s jokes.
She was a member of First Christian Church in Greensburg.
Last but not least, what a cook! Green salad, fried chicken, homemade mash potatoes, garden green beans and walnut cake. mmm! And who can forget the Thanksgiving feasts with her signature oyster dressing and all of the fixings! Yet, when the 10 grandkids visited, she was a willing short-order cook, ready to satisfy every request with a big smile and a twinkle in her eye.
But despite her many accomplishments, her most worthy attributes were her giving nature and her faith in God along with daily lessons of honesty, integrity, tenacity and perseverance taught by example.
Today Mom went home to be with Dad and other loved ones who have passed. Certainly, she will be missed, but we are in admiration of a life well lived and the example she set with her love.
A funeral service will be held at 12:00 PM on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at Glenn E. George Funeral Home, 106 E. Franklin St, St. Paul, Indiana, with Pastor Lloyd Bloomfield officiating.
Burial will be held at the Van Pelt Cemetery in Shelby County.
A visitation will be held from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at Glenn E. George Funeral Home, 106 E. Franklin St, St. Paul, Indiana.
Memorial donations can be made to Our Hospice in care of the Funeral Home.