Helen Bailey

Helen Bailey, age 82, of Elburn, passed away unexpectedly, Monday, June 1, 2020. She was born May 9, 1938, in Sugar Grove, IL, to proud parents, Wilbur Sr., and Bessie (Gleason) Souders. Helen grew up in Sugar Grove and attended local schools. She graduated from Elburn High School with the class of 1956. Dick Bailey may have been a soldier, fighting for the stars and stripes, but it was only stars he saw when he looked upon Helen in the halls of Elburn High School. They were united in marriage on July 7, 1957, and spent the next 62 years in love and in support of one another. Helen dedicated her life in support of her husband and children and specialized in making their house a home. “She had a place for everything and everything was in it’s place” could be easily said, but she lived that saying to the fullest and down to the inch. Dick may have been a soldier, but Helen’s home was organized to military precision. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren topped the list of her favorites, and she spoiled them as only a grandma could. Helen and Dick were faithful and dedicated members of the Elburn Community Congregational Church, manning the helm of many projects and weekly cleanings, much to the chagrin of their children who “volunteered” to help every week. She is survived by three children: Steven Bailey, Kristine (Jim) Liss and Ronald Bailey; her son-in-law, John Amery; seven grandchildren: Tricia (Greg) Edwards, Tina Bailey, Samantha (Matt Wilson) Liss, Jimmy Liss, Brittany (Justin) Ryan, Ryley Bailey and Laurel Amery; two great-grandchildren: Owen Lee Meaderdas and Keegan Jennifer Ryan; two brothers: Rick Souders and Ken (Jan) Souders; many nieces and nephews and a community of friends. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dick Bailey; one daughter, Jennifer Amery; one granddaughter, Lindsay Amery; and her brother, Wilbur Souders, Jr. ln lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Helen’s name. Checks may be made to the “Helen Bailey Memorial” and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119. Tributes may be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page or www.conleycare.com.