Ethel Louise Bailey

Ethel Louise Bailey (nee Landers)

Age 86, of Wilmington Township, passed away Saturday, July 2, 2016 surrounded by her loving family.

Born November 24, 1929 in Emington, IL and resided in the Joliet/Wilmington area since 1959.

Survived by her cherished only son, Lawrence (Deborah) Bailey of Plainfield, IL; two beloved grandchildren, Sandra (Kevin) MacArthur of Aurora, IL, and Jennifer (Tim) McFarland of Joliet, IL; two adored great-grandchildren, Steven McFarland (fiancée Holly Hilton) and Amber McFarland; four dearly loved brothers, Donald (Daisy) Landers of Bloomington, IL, Ronald (Janice) Landers of Streator, IL, Harry (Earline) Landers of Dwight, IL, and Larry (June) Landers of Gardner, IL; and one dearly loved sister, Mary (Leonard) Mahler of Dwight, IL.  Also surviving are numerous loved extended family members both near and far.

Preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Howard L. Bailey (2001); her parents, Budd and Coyla (nee Finch) Landers; one sister, Violet Landers (1951); one brother, John (Patricia) Landers (2005); daughter-in-law, Christy Bailey (2001); and companion Walter Paulson (2010).

After 20 years of service, Louise retired from the Illinois Department of Corrections Joliet Youth Center in 1990.  Family and friends knew her as a fierce player of Pinochle, Euchre, Poker, Kings Corners and Scrabble.  Louise kept up-to-date with current news events better than most politicians and enjoyed exercising her mind by completing crossword puzzles and Sudoku.  Mostly, she loved spending time with her family and friends at regular cookouts with a Bloody Mary cocktail and a good meal.  She understood and encouraged the importance of working hard.  She was dearly loved and will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Visitation will be Monday July 11, 2016, between the hours of 3:00 and 8:00 p.m., and again Tuesday morning, July 12th from 9:00 a.m. until time of funeral service 10:00 a.m. at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road, in Wilmington. Burial will follow in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, where Louise will be laid to rest with Howard.

Memorials may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, Kuzma Care Cottage Food Pantry or a fund of the donor’s choice.

Family and friends may sign the guest book, upload photographs or share Louise's memorial page by logging onto: www.BaskervilleFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington (815-476-2181).