LENA "LOU" BAILEY

BAILEY, LENA "LOU" 1928 to 2010 Lena "Lou" Bailey died October 16, 2010 at the age of 82 from complications of heart and lung disease after surviving breast cancer and diabetes for fifteen years. Mrs. Bailey was born in Oreton, Ohio. She is the daughter of Oscar and Lola Woodruff who have predeceased her as well as a younger sister, Beatrice Ann, who died of diphtheria at age five. Lou was very popular and athletic; she was head cheerleader at Vinton High School and played the trumpet in the school marching band. After graduating, she gave back to the World War II effort by making parts for Ranco Binoculars and working as a filing clerk at the Army Depot while taking classes at Ohio State. She traveled to San Diego by train to meet her future husband, Wardell Bailey, by way of a blind date set up by her brother, Carroll Woodruff. It was love at first sight. They were married a few months later in 1946. They celebrated 55 years together right up to the time he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and died shortly thereafter. Wardell was the love of her life and she missed him terribly throughout the reminder of her life. Lou was active with the PTA and other school programs for her two children. She played on a weekend Ladies Softball Team and bowled for many years on the Police Officer's Wives Auxiliary League. Lou was known for her expertise in sewing and crocheting. Her artistic ability enabled her to design her own patterns. Early on, Lou designed yarn creations which were sold in local beauty salons. Later, as her arthritis progressed, her projects became her doctors, dentist, driver, housekeepers, friends, and especially, the homeless. Her crocheted afghans were truly masterpieces in color and texture. She made these with love and pride and they were enjoyed not only for their warmth but for their beauty as well. We will remember her for her love that lives on in every stitch. Lou was predeceased by her parents, her husband, Wardell Bailey, their daughter, Rhonda Lou Bailey, her son-in-law, Dr. Mark Gilmore, and, her brother, Carroll Woodruff and his wife Martha. She is survived by her sister Thelma Zinn and her husband, Henry, her brother-in-law, Winston Bailey, her son Larry Winston Bailey and his wife, Joyce and her daughter, Brenda Dell Bailey Gilmore. Her grandchildren, Carl Bailey, Kari Ursillo and her fiancé Mitch Van Wyk and Scott Bailey and his wife, Roni, and great-grand-children, Timothy, Matthew, Amanda, and Seth. The family would like to extend their gratitude to La Vida Real for allowing Lou to pass peacefully and with dignity. We also thank San Diego Hospice for their caring attitude and expertise in providing end of life assistance. Lou will be interned with her beloved husband at Singing Hills Memorial Park. Mother, Nana and Sister will be mourned, adored and missed. Donations may be made to San Diego Hospice.