Carolyn Ann Bailey, 84, passed away February 14, 2020, at Clara Barton Hospital, Hoisington.  She was born September 15, 1935, in Hoisington, to John and Anna (Larmer) Simmons.  Carolyn married Donald Lee Bailey June 28, 1953, in Hoisington.  He died Sept. 12, 2009.

Carolyn, a life time resident of Hoisington, had been a dedicated and active member of First United Methodist Church, Hoisington, the American Legion Auxiliary Post 286, VFW Auxiliary Post 7428, both of Hoisington, and the 8/40 Reno Salon.  She was a past Kansas State Department President of the American Legion Auxiliary.   In Carolyn and Donald’s younger years, they enjoyed their national travels to American Legion Conventions, and any outdoor activities, including archery and lake trips.  She was a lifelong reader, journal writer, and card and game enthusiast.  In more recent years, Carolyn enjoyed puzzle books and playing games with her family and friends.  Carolyn started her professional career as a telephone operator with South Western Bell and Western Light and Telephone.  After 25 years, she transitioned into 40 years of employment with Superior Essex, retiring in 2016.

Survivors include one son Ron Bailey and wife Gail of Hoisington; two daughters, LeAnn Nuss of Hoisington and Sheila Burgess and husband Lee of Sterling; eight grandchildren, Aaron Warrick and wife Natalie, Tisha Ritter, Sam Bailey and wife Tara, Nathan Bailey and wife Tiffany, Ian Bailey and wife Sarah, Krista Galvan and husband David, Bailey Burgess and fiancé Jordan Echer and Alex Burgess and wife Brooke; two step grandchildren Shelly Schneider and husband Keith and Chris Nuss; 16 great grandchildren, Gabe, Nick, Alaina, Suzanna, Peyton, Dylan, Tessa, Derek, Olivia, Buddie, Seija, Caleb, Willow, Abram, Cruz, David Jr. and one great great grandchild, Penelope; sister-in-law, Doris Simmons of Hoisington; and sister-of-the-heart, Marian Birmingham of Excelsior Springs, Mo.; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Donald; three brothers, Robert Simmons, Donald Simmons and John Simmons; sister, Frances Lee Simmons; and son-in-law, Wally Nuss.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, February 18, 2020, at First United Methodist Church, Hoisington, with Rev. Seong Lee.  Interment will follow at Hoisington Cemetery, Hoisington.  Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, February 17, 2020, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, with the family receiving friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.   Memorials may be given to First United Methodist Church or Clara Barton Foundation, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS, 67544. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net

Funeral arrangements provided by 

Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home

PO Box 146

Hoisington, KS, 67544

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Feb. 16, 2020