Barbara Jean Bailey

Barbara Jean Bailey, 84, of Joseph, died March 30 in Enterprise. A funeral service was held today at Bollman Funeral Home in Enterprise. Burial followed at Enterprise Cemetery.

She was born April 6, 1926, the second of three children to John and Elmo (Gosney) Nelson in Enterprise. She was raised in the Leap area of Wallowa County. Barbara graduated from Enterprise High School in 1944.

She married Willis Edward Bailey on June 4, 1944. They farmed and ranched on Alder Slope, Hurricane Creek and Swamp Creek. Her favorite was the ranch on Swamp Creek.

For many years, she was a member of the Wranglers Riding Club and often talked about the trips and events associated with the Wranglers. Barbara volunteered at Enterprise Grade School and Chief Joseph Days celebrations.

She enjoyed camping, fishing, gathering huckleberries, hunting mushrooms and going for drives. She will always be remembered for making baby quilts for all of the new additions to her family and attending the sporting events of her kids and grandkids.

After her four kids were raised, she worked for a few years in banking and then at the yarn shop in Enterprise where her love of knitting and crocheting came in handy.

She is survived by her husband of more than 66 years, Willis Bailey of Joseph; daughter, Judy Johnson and her husband, Bob, of Eugene; daughter-in-law, Nancy Bailey of Baker City; son, John Bailey and his wife, Cindy, of Joseph; son, Jeff Bailey and his wife, Chris, of Heppner; brother, Bob Nelson of Enterprise; sister, Lois Thompson and her husband, Jack, of Kennewick; sister-in-law, Lois Blankenship of Enterprise; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Jerry Bailey; and grandson, Bart Bailey.

Memorial donations may be made to the Friends of Wallowa County Museum or any charity.

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