Thelma Jean (Gray) Bailey (2018)

BAILEY, GRAY, IVY, NEEDHAM, NISLY, RASMUSSEN

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler
Date: 6/30/2024 at 18:05:34

Brooks Funeral Care
Des Moines, Iowa
October 2018

Thelma Jean Gray was born on April 4, 1938 at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa. She grew up near Patterson, IA, and graduated from the Patterson Community School. After high school she attended American Institute of Business in Des Moines and went to work for Bankers Life as a key punch operator. On June 22, 1957, she married the roguish love of her life, and became Mrs. Paul Bailey. They moved a few times in the early years of their marriage but settled in Martensdale in the mid 1970s.

Thelma was a devoted wife and mother who enjoyed travel and camping. She was very active in her church and her family was her pride and joy and the center of her world. As her children grew to become teenagers, she took a job in the kitchen at Martensdale St. Mary’s Community School where she worked for 20 years before retiring. After retirement, Thelma and Paul moved to Bella Vista, AR, for a few years, then to Forsyth, MO, before returning to Des Moines.

Thelma enjoyed attending school, church, and sporting events her grandchildren were involved in and seldom missed an opportunity to cheer them on. She loved her family deeply and her greatest joy was spending time with kids, grand kids, and extended family enjoying meals or playing games. She also enjoyed Branson, MO, where she attended Silver Dollar City, Dixie Stampede, and many music shows with her beloved husband and other family members.

In recent years, Thelma was afflicted with lung and heart problems that began to limit her ability to travel and partake in other activities. In March 2018 she had a stroke and was confined to a care facility. On the morning of October 6, 2018, her heart was no longer strong enough to keep beating, and she was called home to be with Jesus her Savior.

Thelma was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Bernice Gray, and a brother, Jack Gray. She leaves behind her cherished husband Paul Bailey of Des Moines; a brother, Bernard (Teddy) Gray of St. Charles; 3 children, Steven (Barbara) Bailey of Warrenville, IL, Kevin (Debra) Bailey of Granger, and Pamela (Richard) Needham of Des Moines; 6 grandchildren, Faith (John) Ivy of Tampa, FL, Jessica (Aaron) Nisly of Des Moines, Lyssa (Jeffrey) Rasmussen of Plainville, MA, Jordan Bailey of Grimes, Ariel Needham of Grimes, and Collin Needham of Des Moines; 3 great-grandchildren, Hope and Autumn Ivy of Tampa, FL, and Jacob Nisly of Des Moines, and a great-granddaughter expected in January 2019.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 11, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. with the funeral following t 11:00 a.m. at Evangel Chapel, 4019 E. 42nd St., Des Moines. Graveside service and interment will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 7601 Fleur Dr., Des Moines at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Evangel Chapel.

Memorial
 

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