Muriel "Ardyce" (Harris) BAILEY

BAILEY, HARRIS, ALLEN, LEHS, JOHNSON

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/8/2007 at 11:56:56

02/06/2007

Muriel "Ardyce" Bailey, 86, Rowan, died January 31, 2007 at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City. Funeral services were held February 5 at the United Church of Rowan with Pastor Nancy Hofmeister officiating. Burial was at Graceland Cemetery near Rowan. Ardyce was born February 1, 1920 on a farm near Rowan, the daughter of E. R. "Rollie" and Jessie (Allen) Harris. She graduated from Rowan High School. On September 1, 1940 she married Kenneth Elmer Bailey and they lived on the family farm near Rowan. Ardyce was a life member of the United Church of Rowan. She was very active at church and especially enjoyed the quilting group. She was an inspiration to many and always put the needs of others before her own. Her family was the most important thing in her life. She enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Playing cards was a favorite pastime. She was often heard to say, "Sure would be nice if some of you folks could win." Her hobbies were quilting, crocheting, gardening, cooking, playing the piano and traveling. Over the years she completed more than 100 hand-stitched quilts. Each child, grandchild and great-grandchild received at least one of her labors of love, as did nieces, nephews and cousins. Ardyce enjoyed traveling with her husband all over the United States and other countries. They wintered in Florida, California and Arizona.
Ardyce had been living at Apple Valley Assisted Living Center in Clear Lake, and she enjoyed her time there and the helpful friends she made.

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; and brother Bob Harris. Ardyce is survived by sons: Larry (Carol) of Belmond, Dennis (Donna) of Rowan, Ronnie (Connie) of St. Joseph, MO, and Marv (Dee Dee) of Klemme; daughter Cindy (Dean) Lehs of Clear Lake; 21 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; sister Lois Johnson; and brother Merle Harris.

©Belmond Independent 2007