Obituary of Ruth Bailey

Ruth Agnes Bailey July 18, 1923 - April 30, 2011 Ruth Agnes Ellis was born in Frakes, Kentucky on July 18, 1923. She was the daughter of the late Clarence "C.B." Ellis Sr. and the late Louise (Saylor) Ellis. After marrying Elvin Barton Bailey, Ruth became a homemaker. Ruth enjoyed sewing and quilting and she was also an avid baker and cook. For many years Ruth attended the North Monroe Street Church of God. She was very active in her church and looked forward to attending frequently. She moved to Middlesboro, Kentucky where she resided for twelve years prior to moving back to Michigan in May of 2006. Ruth lived with and was cared for by her granddaughter: Debbie Mayes. She reconnected with other family and over the past five years had become very close with her great grandchildren. They affectionately came to know her as "Gamaw". Ruth Agnes Bailey went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at the age of 87. She passed away at 11:25pm, Saturday, April 30, 2011 at the Medilodge of Monroe where she had been a resident, and recently under the care of Heartland Home Health Care and Hospice. In addition to her parents her passing was preceded by her husband: Elvin in 1980; a stepson: James Leroy Bailey and daughter-in-law: Mary (Bailey) Osborne; three brothers: Ottis, Joseph, and C.B. Ellis Jr.; three sisters: Versie, Gladys, and Mae; and two grandchildren: James "Jimmy" Bailey and Mark Henegar. She leaves to cherish her memory a stepdaughter: Jean (Hubert) Henegar of Livonia; one brother: Hiram (Georgia) Ellis of Florida; one sister: Loreen McKinney of Kentucky; one grandson: Chuck (Enes) Henegar of Maine; three granddaughters: Patti (David) Wert of Plymouth, Karen (Mike) Appel of New York, and Debbie (Johnny) Mayes of Newport; eleven great grandchildren; and 18 great-great grandchildren. Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 8:00pm, Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. She will lie in state from 10:00am until a Celebration of Her Life at 11:00am, Wednesday, May 4, 2011 at the North Monroe Street Church of God, 2393 North Monroe Street with Reverend Rick Massingill pastor of the church and the Reverend Fred R. Cornelius pastor emeritus co-officiating. Procession will follow to Woodland Cemetery in Monroe for burial. Memorial donations for those who desire may be made in Ruth's name to the North Monroe Street Church of God or to Heartland Home Health Care and Hospice. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, place a memorial donation, share a photo, or send a floral tribute by visiting www.merklefs.com and then selecting the Life Stories page.