Obituary of Helen Mae Bailey

Helen Mae Bailey, age 94, of Topeka, Kansas, formerly of Garnett, Kansas, passed away on Monday, March 11, 2019 at McCrite Plaza in Topeka.

She was born at Westphalia, Kansas on June 27, 1924, the daughter of Jacob Andrew and Stella Mae (Boots) Cherry. 

Helen graduated from Westphalia High School with the Class of 1941.  She attended Strickler Business College in Topeka, and the University of Kansas in Lawrence.  Helen worked several years in the Santa Fe general offices in Topeka.

She married James Adelbert Bailey, Jr. on February 22, 1947.  This union was blessed with two daughters, Rebecca Sue and Rhonda Jan.

Helen was a longtime member of the First Christian Church, a 50-year member of Chapter Y of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, a 50-year member of the Delphian Chapter #309, O.E.S., and a lifetime member of the Anderson County Historical Society.

She enjoyed family gatherings, quilt making, furniture refinishing, and traveling.  Helen was especially proud of her family.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Jacob and Stella Cherry; stepfather, A.A. Andrews; husband, James Bailey on May 18, 2012; and one brother, Harold Cherry.

She is survived by her two daughters, Becky Shanley and husband Mike of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; Rhonda Bass and husband Mike of Tecumseh, Kansas; four grandchildren, Kelly Nordstrom and husband Chuck, Brian Shanley and wife Lindsey, Kent Shanley and wife Kayla, and Zach Bass; seven great grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Lucy Cherry. 

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m., on Friday, March 15, 2019 at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel in Garnett, with burial to follow in the Garnett Cemetery.  Family will be present to greet friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service time.

Memorial contributions may be made to Great Lakes Caring Hospice of Topeka, 3715 S.W. 29th , Suite 100, Topeka, Kansas 66614 or to the donor’s choice.

You may send your condolences to the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.