Betty L. Bailey, 85, passed away on December 14, 2014. She was born in Elkhart to William D. and Grace (Hollinger) Miller, and spent most of her life there, graduating from Elkhart High School in 1947. She loved anything related to sports, first watching her children, then her grandchildren, and also her great-grandchildren compete. In the latter years this was the highlight of her day, to see one of their sporting events. She first coached Little League Softball at Cleveland for her daughter Pam’s team where she was known as Boom Boom Bailey. Then, in 1978, she coached the Elkhart Memorial High School girls’ track team. In addition she coached Woodlands’ girls’ softball team, winning a city championship, and coached cheerleading at West Side Junior High.
Betty was a member of Good Shepherd EUB/UM until several churches merged into Faith United Methodist Church. She was an active member in both churches, where she sang soprano in the choirs up until she was 80. Church has always been an important part of her life.
She married Albert E. Bailey in 1949, and was married for 49 years before his passing. Her nine siblings and parents preceded her in death. She is survived by her children: Steve (Mary) Bailey of Stockholm, Sweden, Jeff (Lori) Bailey of Elkhart, Vicky (Rex) Maddy of Martinsville, and Pam Bailey of New Palestine, and two former daughter-in-laws Mary Grove of Elkhart and Carol Gallivan of Oak Park, CA. She is also survived by her five grandchildren: Andy (Nicole) Bailey, Craig (Abbey) Maddy, Doug (Megan) Maddy, Lindsay (fiancé Shane) Bailey, and Ally Bailey as well as five great-grandchildren: Jonathan and Brandon Bailey, and Reese, Drew, and Jonah Maddy. Family was always very important to her, and she will be missed.
Friends and family of Betty may call at Faith United Methodist Church from 10-12 on Saturday, December 27th, with a Celebration of Life Service following at noon. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the church or a charity of your choice.