Barbara Bailey

Barbara Jean Bailey of Joseph died March 30, 2011, in Enterprise at age 84.

She was born April 6, 1926, in Enterprise to John and Elmo (Gosney) Nelson, the second of three children. 

She was raised in the Leap area of Wallowa County and graduated from Enterprise High School in 1944. 

She married Willis Edward Bailey on June 4, 1944. They farmed and ranched on Alder Slope, Hurricane Creek and Swamp Creek, but her favorite was the ranch on Swamp Creek. She was a homemaker, wife, mother and grandmother.

For many years Mrs. Bailey was a member of the Wranglers riding club and often talked about the trips and events associated with the Wranglers. She volunteered at Enterprise grade school and Chief Joseph Days celebrations. She enjoyed camping, fishing, gathering huckleberries, hunting mushrooms and just going for drives. Among other activities were making baby quilts for all of the new additions to her family and attending the sporting events of her children and grandchildren. 

After her four children were raised, Mrs. Bailey worked for a few years in banking and then at the yarn shop in Enterprise.

She is survived by her husband of over 66 years, Willis Bailey of Joseph; daughter Judy Johnson and son-in-law Bob of Eugene; daughter-in-law Nancy Bailey of Baker City; son John Bailey and daughter-in-law Cindy of Joseph; son Jeff Bailey and daughter-in-law Chris of Heppner; brother Bob Nelson of Enterprise; sister Lois Thompson and husband Jack of Kennewick, Wash., sister-in-law Lois Blankenship of Enterprise; 11 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, son Jerry Bailey and grandson Bart Bailey.

Funeral services were held April 4, 2011, at Bollman Funeral Home in Enterprise. Burial followed at the Enterprise cemetery.  

Memorial donations may be made to the Friends of Wallowa County Museum or the charity of choice.