Search by Name

Search by Name

Bailey Gillis

1995 - 2014

Bailey Gillis obituary, 1995-2014, Anchorage, AK

BORN

1995

DIED

2014

Bailey Gillis Obituary

Anchorage resident, Bailey Ruth Gillis, 18, passed away peacefully at her home Wednesday, July 14, 2014. A Celebration of Bailey's Life will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, July 19, 2014 at the Anchorage Lutheran Church, 15th & N Street in Anchorage with a reception to follow. Bailey was born September 30, 1995 to Vern and Karen Gillis in Anchorage, Alaska. She was born with congenital cytomegalovirus, a burden shared with too many. "Bailey was a gift to everyone who looked into those beautiful blue eyes. When Bailey put her arms around our necks she used every tiny muscle to hold on as tight as she could. She loved swinging, swimming, skiing, flashy lights, horses, and everyone who took the time to see her for the precious little girl that she was inside of that obstacle of a body she lived in," quoted her family. Bailey is survived by her parents, Vern and Karen Gillis; brother, Jordan Jackson; her sister, Reagan Gillis; and she was blessed by a large extended family some that are related by blood and so many others who are embraced by Bailey's loving spirit. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make donations to Stop CMV in Bailey's Memory through stopcmv.com. Arrangements were cared for by the Anchorage Funeral Home & Crematory. Please visit Bailey's obituary and online guestbook at www.AlaskanFuneral.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Monadnock Ledger-Transcript on Jul. 16, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Bailey Gillis

Not sure what to say?





Tom Schmidt

July 14, 2025

It was always special to see Bailey watching her Dad coach his wrestlers. She was and continues to be inspiring in her fight for life ever after.

Thomas Schmidt

July 11, 2024

She continues to be a reminder of love in the world.

Karen Dunmall

August 27, 2014

Karen, I recently heard of Bailey's passing and want to express my heartfelt sympathies to you, Vern, Reagan and Jordan. I remember reading stellaluna to Bailey when she was younger and watching Bailey enjoy the bat puppet I used to make the actions from the book. Although we haven't been in touch for awhile, I still think of you often. You, Bailey and your family will always hold a special place in my heart.

Maureen and Cael Forceskie

August 14, 2014

Vern, Karen and family...I was so saddened to hear of Baileys passing when I was at Dimond High today. I was in Oregon most of July and had no idea this happened..I reflect on the days of visiting Cael in his classroom at Dimond where he was Baileys classmate the past several years. Cael and l will surely miss her angelic sweet face this year and always. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers...

shawn king

July 26, 2014

Vern and Karen I am so sorry for your loss I remember bailey coming to the wrestling room and mates and vern playing with her and talking to bailey with my mom Darla I love you guys and will pray for you all anyone who got to meet bailey was touched in their hearts God bless

jonz dyazuk

July 22, 2014

Keren, Your family are in our prayers. G-d be with you all.

Gay Lloyd Pinder

July 20, 2014

Dear Vern and Karen! I was very sad to hear of Bailey's death but I also smiled at the thought of her flying high and free as the air and smiling down on you all, her beloved family!!! It has been many years since we connected during my visits to Anchorage but I remember you all and Bailey well!!! I remember how you all treated her as a regular kid, throwing her high and loving her laughter of delight! I remember our brainstorming food and communication ideas and you all's practical and beautiful attitude about life. You all were and are a remarkable family and Bailey was both a gift AND a lucky little girl in your midst! feel a big hug from me in Seattle and know that I was one lucky therapist to be touched by Bailey and the Gillis family!!! Thank you all for sharing your gem and yourselves and I send you love and prayers as you find your new rhythm with Bailey's spirit in your midst! LOVE Gay Lloyd from Seattle

Helen Thomas

July 20, 2014

Dear Karen, I was so sorry to hear about Bailey's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Vern and Reagan.

Anna & Megan Petersen

July 20, 2014

So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Avery Ecklein

July 19, 2014

I hope that you will have eternal joyfulness in the Heaven. I miss you.

Amy (Snoderly) Barnett

July 19, 2014

Such a sweet girl that touched so many lives. Love to the whole Gillis family. Her legacy will not be forgotten.

Jim & Bonnie Upchurch

July 19, 2014

Karen & Vern,
No words can express our sympathies and sorrow we feel in our hearts for your loss of Bailey. You two have provided her with the security and love which she expressed every time we were around her precious presence. God Bless you both and I am sure He has a special place in Heaven for your family. We love you guys.
Bonnie & Jim Upchurch

Lorna Hamil

July 19, 2014

Another angel in heaven. The Lord's peace to all of Bailey's family.

Cindy Heath

July 19, 2014

Vern, Karen & Reagan
We are very sorry to hear about Bailey! She has touched everyone! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Roger, Cindy, Hunter & Jordyn Heath

Kristyne Uso

July 19, 2014

Bailey was such a sweet angel, though she has found her place in heaven, we must remember her time here was not in vain. Her life has had an impact on those who were blessed to have known her, we will remember the strength of her family and all the support from those who loved and knew her beautiful spirit. May her life be remembered for all the powerful lesson she has shared, in that our lives have true meaning and purpose no matter the challenges God gives us to face. Bailey and her family accepted her as the gift from God that she is, and embraced every challenge she faced with love and devotion to see it through. You will always be remember as the angel that has touched us all.

Karen Polley

July 18, 2014

I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you adjust to this loss.

Avery Ecklein

July 18, 2014

I don't know you until I am informed about the virus I am infected in YouTube. I am shocked that virus can cause far worser than mine. Many innocent babies become severely disabled and is barely alive. I do not know that you are dead until I googled your name. :( God is with you in the heaven.

HAP Team

July 18, 2014

Dear Vern and Family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Matt Stevens

July 18, 2014

Vern and Karen,
I am so sorry for your lost. Bailey was a wonderful young lady, and your Love and care for her shined through in every little smile she gave the world. You will be in my thoughts.

Tom, Ronna and Kalysta Schmidt

July 18, 2014

Vern and Karen, Bailey had a loving and strong family in her life. What more can a child be blessed with? Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

July 18, 2014

Dear Karen: My heartfelt condolences to you and your family in your loss. May the strong love shared by you and your family and friends carry and support you all. Take care - peace be the journey, John Sisk

Kris & Ken Duncan

July 18, 2014

There is nothing more fulfilling than knowing you come from a loving family. Bailey was truly blessed with that knowledge and expressed it in so many little special ways. May the love & joy from your time together now give you strength as you close the circle.

You are much in our thoughts,

gus thompson

July 18, 2014

Bailey Gillis. Strong, inspiring , love, fighter, these are a few words that i think of when I think of my cousin. You are so beautiful and I will miss you dearly. Vern Karen Reagan I love you guys and truly am inspired of the love my family has in there hearts I love you guys. ..

Ashley Kelley

July 18, 2014

Bailey was such an insperation and a fighter. Thank you Bailey for the knowledge and understanding that you have gave to us. My heart expecialy goes out to uncle Vern, aunt Karen and Reagun, know one should ever have to experience the feeling of losing a child or a sister at such a young age. My prayers are with you! I will miss Bailey, yet I am proud she was in my life.

July 18, 2014

Dear Karen,

So sorry to hear about Bailey. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Best wishes.
Bunny LaDuke

Bill and Donna Walker

July 18, 2014

Dear Karen, Vern & Family -- our hearts sank to learn of Bailey's passing after just recently having visited with her. We were profoundly moved by your family's devotion to one another and the palpable love you all shared for Bailey. Please know that many care and are holding you close in thought and prayer. Blessings, Bill & Donna Walker

Bob & Linda Yost

July 18, 2014

Vern, Karen & Reagan, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We will always remember Bailey and how her eyes did truly light up when she came to ride horses with us. Much love from our family to yours,

A Father's Love

Dan & Terri Forsman

July 18, 2014

Dan & I send Hugs
We are so Grateful to have known Bailey and been witness to the Love she shared with so many.
What an amazing person she was.
We are all better people to have known her. She was a Gift.
God Bless.

Tessa Hagan

July 17, 2014

From the depths of our hearts we send our condolences as well as much love and prayers for the entire Gillis family. Although we have never met in person, our paths crossed through cmv. Your angel is resting high and just as beautiful as she always was. Her body was an obstacle that was not always easy to deal with but cmv did not take her smile, her laughter, her love of life, nor her spirit. Our hearts are saddened with yours and just know we will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers. <3

Kary Mays

July 17, 2014

Miss Bailey was a gift to us all. Words will never express what she gave us. The miles between us was hard but our spiritual connection will never be gone. Thank You Father for the time here on earth. Thank you Vern and Karen for the wonderful parents you are. Love and Prayers are with you.

Jacque Morner

July 17, 2014

Dear Gillis Family & Marilynn - I pray that you find comfort & peace in your faith and family during this difficult time. I have precious memories of Baily & Josh in Church at BSLC when they were so young. Baily's reaction to Josh was precious!!! I hope that you see his beautiful tribute to Bailey on Facebook - She was truly a Beautiful Gem and influenced many lives. I'm sad for your loss yet comforted to know that she is now in the arms of Jesus! Blessings

Jenny Kimble

July 17, 2014

I am very thankful that I had the opportunity to meet Bailey and the Gillis family. When I last saw her she looked very happy in Vern's arms! That is the memory I will hold on too. Karen and Vern, it has been a pleasure...I will always remember the love and devotion you've always displayed for your family. You'll be in my prayers.

Douglas Tryck

July 17, 2014

My sincerest condolences to Karen, Vern , Reagan and all of the other family members.

Rena Vargas

July 17, 2014

Vern & Karen,
So sorry to hear about Bailey, she was a bright spot in your life. Please know that she is now running, dancing & singing... Instead of watching. :) She is free & will forever be in your hearts. Thank you for sharing her.

Joyce Johnson

July 17, 2014

Karen and Vern,
So very sorry for the passing of your precious daughter Bailey. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Memory Eternal to a beautiful angel. Warmest regards....

Lisa Saunders

July 17, 2014

Bailey was so lovely and loved. I know I would have enjoyed knowing her.

Kimberly Mccleery

July 17, 2014

My heart breaks for you and your family! I hold a special place for you in my heart as I know all parents who travel this hard road do. Lots of love and many blessings to you! <3

Allison Blackstone

July 17, 2014

Karen, Vern and Reagan - thinking of you and praying for your sweet Bailey. Our hearts break for you here in Maine, and wish you peace throughout this journey.

Kerith Stull

July 17, 2014

My heart is breaking for your loss. As a fellow member of the CMV community (my daughter Brielle is 18yo), know that we are here for you. Bailey's legacy is grand and will be remembered because of her beauty and your strength and advocacy. Blessing to you and your entire family.

Marrcy Fantel

July 17, 2014

Karen and family,
I am so sad to learn of Bailey's passing. We haven't known each other long, but I shared the bond of special needs parenting with you and know how much you loved her. I am speechless. All I can say is that my heart hurts for you all. I am so sorry for your loss.

Shannon Stratton

July 17, 2014

My heart is saddened by your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you.
May you rest in peace Bailey, you are a beautiful angel.

Kathleen Madden

July 17, 2014

Karen and family: I am shocked to learn the news about your dear daughter. My heart goes out to you.

lisa f

July 17, 2014

I am so sorry to hear this! I knew of Bailey because I was friends with a neighbor of yours....was at their house shortly after you brought her home from the hospital....I am sad to see her life so short but she is healed and whole in heaven now.....prayers of peace for your entire family...

Dee Berline

July 16, 2014

Dear Karen and Vern, She was such a bright spot in so many lives. Please know that her little life made such a difference in so many other lives. Me included. Love to all of you, Dee

Jo Ruiz

July 16, 2014

Karen, so sorry to hear about Bailey.You and her have a special place in my heart. You were one of the first to reach out to me about my cCMV granddaughter. Many prayers for comfort to you and your family.

Denise Blake

July 16, 2014

Karen, I am devastated for you and your family. You are in our prayers. Love you.

Fay Voice

July 16, 2014

So very sorry for your loss. What a sweet, sweet girl. Fay Voice, ASSDHH employee

Carmen Burton

July 16, 2014

We are so sorry for your loss, heaven has gained a beautiful angel who will always be looking over you. Thinking of you all. Love from a cCMV family

Elena Sabori

July 16, 2014

My thoughts & prayers are w/your family in your time of loss, my heart aches that another child in our cmv community has gained their angel wings. :-(

Candace Spears

July 16, 2014

So sorry for your loss God Bless you in your time of need

July 16, 2014

So sorry to hear of your loss. Wanted you to know I'm thinking of you.
Eric Holta

July 16, 2014

Knowing sweet Bailey is flying free...a beautiful Angel she has always been and forever will be. Sending Love and Light to the Gillis Family.
Love,
The Cindy and Vic's Family

Dana Godfrey

July 16, 2014

Vern and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. May God enfold you in his arms at this time.

Deborah West

July 16, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with you on the loss of your beautiful daughter. From a cCMV mom!

Nichristin Guesman

July 16, 2014

I am so sorry for your loss. May you take comfort in knowing an angel is watching over you. Love from a CMV family.

María C, L. Padilla

July 16, 2014

From Canary Islands,
All Our Love and Players for Bailey and her Family.
We have a New Angel call Bailey.

Cmv mommy Elizabeth wingard

July 16, 2014

Prayers to your family in this time of grief.

Michelle O'Daniel

July 16, 2014

Dance with the angels, Sweet Bailey. <3 Praying peace and comfort for the Gillis Family.

Liz Rich

July 16, 2014

My love, my respect, my condolences, fellow CMV friend.

Tracy / Keyira Short

July 16, 2014

Our sympathy to you all may you find peace !! Love from us all the short family !!

Marie Cassidy

July 16, 2014

I am so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful girl. Thinking of you all, take care. Love from another cmv family xx

Sandra Salerno

July 16, 2014

Sending prayers for your strength and peace during this difficult time. Love ,your fellow CMV family.

ff

July 16, 2014

Sending sympathy and prayers..and letting you know my heart goes out to your broken hearts at this time of sadness.. It is especially difficult when we lose precious young ones. Please know that God cares and invites you to let him help you. (Jeremiah 29:12) . . .And YOU will certainly call me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to YOU. . .

Ranay, George, Tristen, and Elliana Golay

July 16, 2014

Sending all our love from Washington. Fly with your beautiful wings, sweet girl!

Lisa Hemelstrand

July 16, 2014

So sorry for your loss .Praying for your family. Fly high Bailey sweet girl .With love fellow CMV family .

Hollie Sunderland

July 16, 2014

Fly with the angles Bailey!

Gail Demmler Harrison

July 16, 2014

Karen - so sorry for your loss - may your memories of Bailey comfort you - sending you our thoughts and prayers

Mary King

July 16, 2014

Karen, I am so very sorry for your loss. Bailey touched so many lives in a special way. I pray for comfort for your entire family.

Karen Ayers

July 16, 2014

My Prayers and Thoughts are with you Vern and Karen and Family

Showing 1 - 69 of 69 results

Make a Donation
in Bailey Gillis's name

Memorial Events
for Bailey Gillis

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Bailey's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Bailey Gillis's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more