Betty L. Bailey

Betty Bailey, of Hastings, passed away November 1, 2010 at the age of 82 after courageously facing down serious illness over the past five years. Betty grew up in southwest Missouri, and still has many friends and family members there. She was swept off her feet by the dashing Luther (Bud) Bailey, after being introduced to him by her sister Laverne and Bud�s brother Bob. They married in March 1947, and had four children: Michael (Sheila) Bailey of Peculiar, MO; Kathleen (James) Carlson of Eagan, MN; Karen (Ken) Harrington of Hastings, MN; and Linda Bailey of Auburn, WA. Betty was a superb homemaker whose apple pies, cleaning techniques, vegetable gardening, cooking of wild game, quilting, and seamstress skills could not be beat. She carried her high standards into business, where she became manager of Ashley�s Clothing in downtown Webb City, MO in the 1970�s. While not tolerant of four-legged animals in the house, she nevertheless allowed her children a small menagerie outside. She was devoted to her children, attending far more scout meetings, ball games, plays, music fests and other events than anyone had a right to expect. A true redhead, she steadfastly refused to take any guff from Bud, who preceded her in passing. She very much enjoyed attending church with her friends and relatives, and once took off cross-country with two of her cousins to see Arizona. Since 2005, Betty and Bud had resided in Hastings, where new friendships sprang up at the same time that she kept her Missouri friends close at heart. In particular, her steadfast home health aides from Home Instead became her and Bud�s extended family. While new aides had to pass muster before becoming a member of her inner circle, Betty was devoted to and very much enjoyed the company of those who became a part of her broader family, including but not limited to Sharon, Sandy, Linda, Jena, Kris, �and other kind souls. Nancy, a Stephens Minister from the United Methodist Church, provided much appreciated spiritual support, guidance, and friendship, as well. Tim, a volunteer from Mick�s Friends, was generous and kind as he faithfully drove Betty to dialysis over many, many months. Sincere thanks go to Mary Kay of Allina Hospice, for her kind support during Betty�s last several weeks, and to Dr. Paul Kerestes, who provided compassionate care to both Betty and Bud during their years in Hastings. Betty is survived by her four children; grandchildren Jeffrey Carlson, Melissa (Bob) Grega, Brian (Ashley) Harrington, Katherine Harrington, Adam Johnson, and Michelle (Phil) Schulz; and great-grandchildren Brett Grega and Grace Schulz. She is also survived by her sisters Sylvia Blackburn and Carrol Wagnen. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Mick�s Friends at Hastings Family Service; the Stephens Ministry at the Hastings United Methodist Church; or Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.