Wilma Jean “Jeannie” Bailey, 90, of Hays, Kansas and formerly of Russell, Kansas, passed away Friday, May 29, 2020 at the Via Christ Village in Hays.
Jeannie was born December 20, 1929 on the family farm in Barton County, Kansas. She was one of seventeen children to Henry and Mollie (Miller) Wilhelm. She grew up on the farm in northern Barton County and attended country schools.
Jeannie was united in marriage to Jerry Dean Bailey on February 25, 1949 in Russell, Kansas. This union was blessed with three children; Cynthia, Douglas and Stanley. Jerry preceded her in death on August 4, 1996.
Jeannie was a waitress for many years in Russell. She worked at the Russell Elks Lodge and the Russell V.F.W. She also cleaned homes in Russell. She was a member of the St. John Lutheran Church. She was a dog and cat lover. She enjoyed fishing, cooking and was known for making noodles and fried chicken, and spending time with her family.
Jeannie’s surviving family include her son, Douglas Bailey of Dallas, Texas; daughter, Cynthia Henning (Tim) of Russell, Kansas; five grandchildren, six great grandchildren and 12 great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, nine brothers and seven sisters.
A Graveside Service will be held at 10:30AM, Thursday, June 4, 2020 at the Russell City Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Wednesday, June 3, 2020 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell. Memorials have been established with St. John Lutheran Church or Russell County Food Pantry. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.