1 Upcoming Event
Memorial Service
FEB
16
Monday, February 16, 2026
Starts at 3:00 pm
Westminister Canterbury Sanctuary
1600 Westbrook Avenue, Richmond, VA 23227
Laura Mae Bailey passed away peacefully on January 13, 2026, in Richmond, Virginia at the age of 94. Born on May 15, 1931, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, she lived a long and fulfilling life marked by devotion to her family, her faith, and her community.
Growing up, Laura lived in Cheyenne and Green River Wyoming, Grand Island, North Platte and Omaha Nebraska, Salt Lake City, Utah and Denver, Colorado. She spent her childhood moving from town to town as her father advanced through the ranks of the Union Pacific Railroad, attending 12 schools in 13 years. Being part of the Union Pacific family was a great source of joy and pride, but she always considered Cheyenne her true home. Laura graduated from Cheyenne High School in 1949 and went on to attend the University of Wyoming where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority.
After graduation, Laura was honored to be chosen as Miss Frontier for the annual Cheyenne Frontier Days. One highlight was dancing with the Oglala Sioux Indians while promoting the rodeo with actor Fred McMurray.
Laura was married in 1952. She enjoyed living on a ranch along the Birdwood Creek in the Nebraska Sandhills where she and her husband raised their daughters before making North Platte their home in 1961. She enjoyed the solitude of the beautiful country and the entertaining wildlife.
In 1972, Laura moved to El Paso, TX where she lived for the next 29 years.
There her love for learning continued as she participated in lifelong learning classes at the University of Texas. Professionally, she served as the secretary of both the English and Communications Departments at the University. She was dedicated in her responsibilities and developed strong friendships with the students and faculty there.
Laura moved to Westerville, Ohio with her poodle Quincy, and cat, Xochil, in 2001 where her daughter Laurie and husband Jess lived. Once again Laura "bloomed where she was planted" making friends and enjoying a new life in Ohio. She relished time with friends, attending swim exercise class, symphonies and Broadway performances.
In 2013 Laura relocated to Richmond, Virginia to be near her daughter Pam and her granddaughters and their families. Believing "there are nice people everywhere", she made new friends at Westminster Canterbury where she resided until her death.
Laura's life was deeply rooted in faith. She lived with unwavering trust in Jesus Christ and found strength and joy through her spiritual journey. She was an active member of the Episcopal Church throughout her life. She was a devoted member of the Altar Guild and lovingly cared for communion linens for many years—a quiet but meaningful ministry that reflected her reverence and commitment.
Laura's interests were as varied as they were heartfelt. She found joy in embroidery, knitting, needlepoint, reading, writing, cooking, photography, and creating photo albums that preserved cherished memories. She loved animals—especially dogs and cats—and enjoyed walking and hiking outdoors. A gracious hostess who delighted in entertaining at home, Laura also appreciated the arts through symphonies, theater performances, and movies. Her home was filled with warmth and hospitality.
She treasured time spent with family above all else. Laura is survived by her daughters Pamela Stacey and Laurie Gillig (Jess Gillig); grandchildren Stephen Stacey (Rachel), Laura Varner (Adam), and Anna Lingerfelt (Don); great-grandchildren Liam Varner, Hannah Stacey, Claire Stacey, Molly Lingerfelt, and Frankie Lingerfelt; sisters-in-law Kathy King (Allen), Charmaine Bailey, and Suzanne Bailey; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends whose lives were touched by her kindness.
She was preceded in death by her father Edd H. Bailey; mother Mabel L. Bailey; and brother Hugh H. Bailey.
Laura will be remembered as a gracious and loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend—and a woman of enduring faith whose legacy lives on through those who knew her.
May her memory bring comfort to all who loved her. A Memorial Service will be held on February 16, 2026, at 03:00 PM at Westminister Canterbury Sanctuary, 1600 Westbrook Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, with a reception following the ceremony.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Westminster Canterbury Richmond Foundation; The Fellowship Fund and/or the Chaplaincy Discretionary Fund.
Growing up, Laura lived in Cheyenne and Green River Wyoming, Grand Island, North Platte and Omaha Nebraska, Salt Lake City, Utah and Denver, Colorado. She spent her childhood moving from town to town as her father advanced through the ranks of the Union Pacific Railroad, attending 12 schools in 13 years. Being part of the Union Pacific family was a great source of joy and pride, but she always considered Cheyenne her true home. Laura graduated from Cheyenne High School in 1949 and went on to attend the University of Wyoming where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority.
After graduation, Laura was honored to be chosen as Miss Frontier for the annual Cheyenne Frontier Days. One highlight was dancing with the Oglala Sioux Indians while promoting the rodeo with actor Fred McMurray.
Laura was married in 1952. She enjoyed living on a ranch along the Birdwood Creek in the Nebraska Sandhills where she and her husband raised their daughters before making North Platte their home in 1961. She enjoyed the solitude of the beautiful country and the entertaining wildlife.
In 1972, Laura moved to El Paso, TX where she lived for the next 29 years.
There her love for learning continued as she participated in lifelong learning classes at the University of Texas. Professionally, she served as the secretary of both the English and Communications Departments at the University. She was dedicated in her responsibilities and developed strong friendships with the students and faculty there.
Laura moved to Westerville, Ohio with her poodle Quincy, and cat, Xochil, in 2001 where her daughter Laurie and husband Jess lived. Once again Laura "bloomed where she was planted" making friends and enjoying a new life in Ohio. She relished time with friends, attending swim exercise class, symphonies and Broadway performances.
In 2013 Laura relocated to Richmond, Virginia to be near her daughter Pam and her granddaughters and their families. Believing "there are nice people everywhere", she made new friends at Westminster Canterbury where she resided until her death.
Laura's life was deeply rooted in faith. She lived with unwavering trust in Jesus Christ and found strength and joy through her spiritual journey. She was an active member of the Episcopal Church throughout her life. She was a devoted member of the Altar Guild and lovingly cared for communion linens for many years—a quiet but meaningful ministry that reflected her reverence and commitment.
Laura's interests were as varied as they were heartfelt. She found joy in embroidery, knitting, needlepoint, reading, writing, cooking, photography, and creating photo albums that preserved cherished memories. She loved animals—especially dogs and cats—and enjoyed walking and hiking outdoors. A gracious hostess who delighted in entertaining at home, Laura also appreciated the arts through symphonies, theater performances, and movies. Her home was filled with warmth and hospitality.
She treasured time spent with family above all else. Laura is survived by her daughters Pamela Stacey and Laurie Gillig (Jess Gillig); grandchildren Stephen Stacey (Rachel), Laura Varner (Adam), and Anna Lingerfelt (Don); great-grandchildren Liam Varner, Hannah Stacey, Claire Stacey, Molly Lingerfelt, and Frankie Lingerfelt; sisters-in-law Kathy King (Allen), Charmaine Bailey, and Suzanne Bailey; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends whose lives were touched by her kindness.
She was preceded in death by her father Edd H. Bailey; mother Mabel L. Bailey; and brother Hugh H. Bailey.
Laura will be remembered as a gracious and loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend—and a woman of enduring faith whose legacy lives on through those who knew her.
May her memory bring comfort to all who loved her. A Memorial Service will be held on February 16, 2026, at 03:00 PM at Westminister Canterbury Sanctuary, 1600 Westbrook Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, with a reception following the ceremony.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Westminster Canterbury Richmond Foundation; The Fellowship Fund and/or the Chaplaincy Discretionary Fund.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Laura Bailey, please visit our flower store.
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