Marilyn Ann Bailey, 69
Marilyn Ann Bailey (more commonly known as “Honey”) “arrived in the arms of Jesus” after a sudden and swift surrender to cancer, on May 26, 2012. All of her sons and daughters, her nephew, and her ever-giving friend, were peacefully by her bedside.
She was born June 10, 1942, in southern California.
Honey lost her love of 35 years to an unyielding battle with leukemia only 14 months ago. This loss was a heavy burden on her heart and she eagerly accepted “God bringing her home.”
Marilyn’s adorable, vivacious soul loved her family and all of her many friends. She was a “hoot!” and had an amazing heart. No one ever felt they had just met her, because she immediately valued everyone she met, as her precious friend for life.
Marilyn and Carl Bailey were married in California, blending their two families — his children Brittany Elizabeth and Robert Alan, and her children Gregory Alan and Nancy Jane. They spent 12 years in Missoula where they owned the Snow King Drive-In and raised their children.
The last year of Marilyn’s life was split between her beautiful home in Kalispell, and her “dollhouse” in Parker, Ariz. She became known for her infectious laugh, contagious smile, incredibly funny sense of humor, and the unending love she had for life. She loved Jesus with all her heart. His love extended through her, to accept everyone, regardless of how they believed. She will be missed by all, but she was special enough to leave a very dear part of herself with each and every one who has ever known her.
Marilyn is survived by the family whom she cherished, her children, Gregory Roper and Stephanie Cussick in Sodona, Ariz., Corey and Nancy Wagner in Kalispell, Nicholas and Brittany Strouse in Westport, Conn., and Robert Bailey and Jessica Fiedler in Missoula; grandchildren, Tess and Sage, Israel and Navah, Amanda and Dakota, Brett and Shauna, Zackery, and Leanna; and great-granddaughters, Mallory, Reegan, Kyndle and Layla Bug. And we cannot leave out Marilyn’s “youngest son,” her “Little Monster” Max, who did nothing to earn that name!
She is also survived by her mother, Mary “GG” Riddle; her brothers, Don, and Richard and his wife Nancy; brother-in-law, Charles, and his wife, Judy; nieces and nephews, Scott and Parlene, Kim and Chip, Doug and Karen, Dave and Linda, and Karen and Mike; and all their families.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband Carl, and her father Howard Riddle.
A celebration of Marilyn’s Life will take place at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 7, at Easthaven Baptist Church on Whitefish Stage Road in Kalispell.