With great sadness, we share the passing of our dear Mother and friend, Barb Bailey, 87, of Plymouth. Mom passed on August 27 in the comfort of her home, surrounded by loved ones, and into the waiting arms of her Lord and Savior.
Born Barbara Joyce Lowry on August 25, 1936 – mom was the oldest of three daughters born to William and Mary Ellen Bottorff Lowry.
On December 11, 1952 – mom and dad were married, sharing nearly 64 years together until dad’s passing in September, 2016.
Mom is survived by her five children – Bill Bailey and Judy Bailey, Plymouth. Richard (Luanne), Kathy Snyder, and Martin (Christy), all of the Indianapolis area. Also surviving are 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
Mom was also blessed to have wonderful and special friends in her life, who have all become family. Loving and attentive friends Maurice and Janice Grindle, daughter-in-law Carmen Bailey, and bonus daughter Denise, who was a loving and dedicated caregiver.
Mom was a member of the Plymouth Trinity UMC, and she was a lifetime member of the Marshall Starke Development Center.
Mom received a lifetime achievement award for her dedication to the Special Olympics program, and for her many years of service as a bowling coach.
Always an advocate for the physically and mentally challenged, mom worked diligently to secure special education in the public schools. Along with many other concerned parents, mom was instrumental in the establishment of the current Marshall Starke Development Center.
Mom loved her years of working for Dr. Eugene and Vi Ward, DDS in Argos. Mom also ran a home-based business “Sweet Things,” specializing in elegant wedding cakes.
Mom truly had a servant’s heart, and she loved her family. Mom married young, and never wavered from the responsibility of raising five children, while managing 40 acres and the duties that entailed. She did it all, and she was an amazing, strong woman.
Mom lived a life of sacrifice, so her children would enjoy opportunities that she could only dream of as a child.
