OBITUARY: Rita Bailey

Rita Bailey, resident of Vienna and a former resident of the Eddyville community, passed away 6:30 a.m. Thursday morning, April 11, 2013, at the Hillview Health Care Center in Vienna following an extended illness.

Rita was born May 5, 1920, in Winfield Township (DuPage County) Illinois. She was the youngest child of John N. and Eva A. (Schwartz) Behr.

Rita was united in marriage to Ernest Bailey on March 24, 1939, in Paducah, Ky. He preceded her in death on May 2, 1990.

Survivors include two sons, Billy (Evelyn) Bailey of Vienna, Jim Bailey of Anna; daughter, Nancy (Mike) Solomon of Vienna; eight grandchildren, Brian Bailey, Shawn (Angela) Bailey, Brad Bailey, Christina (Anthony) Gagon, Misti (Kevin) Sandefur, Matt (Christi) Bailey, Mike Bailey, Duane (Ginger) Bailey; nine great-grandchildren, Cyndie Jackson, J.B. Jackson, Joe Jackson, Katelyn Bailey, Nathan Bailey, Lacy Bailey, Dylan Smith, Shepard Smith and Lauryn Gagon; nieces; nephews; other relatives; and many dear friends.

Rita was anticipating the birth of a great-grandchild as well as the birth of her first great-great-grandchild.

In addition to her parents and husband, Rita was preceded in death by two sons, Richard Gordon Bailey and Phillip Ray "Cuz" Bailey; and a daughter-in-law, Betty Jo Bailey; two brothers; and two sisters.

Rita was a member of the Eddyville Missionary Baptist Church. She was a homemaker and an excellent cook. She loved having visitors in her home and cooking for her guests. Rita also enjoyed going shopping and "eating-out" with friends and family.

Rita dearly loved her family and cherished the time she spent with them.

Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Monday, April 15, 2013, at the Eddyville Missionary Baptist Church. Pastor Buddy Sork will officiate.

Burial will be in the New Liberty Cemetery, southeast of Eddyville.

Visitation was conducted 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, April 14, 2013, at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna and from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, April 15, 2013, at the Eddyville Missionary Baptist Church.

Memorials may be made to the Eddyville Missionary Baptist Church, PO Box 57, Eddyville, IL 62928, TIP/VNA Hospice, 125 Leigh Drive, Anna, Ill. 62906 or to the charity of the donor's choice.

To share a memory of Rita or to leave an online message of condolence for her family, please visit www.baileyfh.com