11/2/2020 9:25:00 AM Shirley Bailey dies of natural causes at her home
Shirley J. Bailey, 77, a Rochester resident, passed away of natural causes on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020 at her home.
Shirley Jean Mattison was born on Oct. 25, 1943 in Rochester, to Gerhart and Thelma (Hovda ) Mattison. She grew up on the family farm, attended country school and Spring Valley High School, graduating in 1961. She attended Rochester Vocational College, where she received her medical secretary degree. Shirley was married to David Bailey in 1962 in Austin. The couple moved to Spring Valley before moving to Stewartville in 1968, where they raised their sons and made their home for a number of years. Shirley was a homemaker and was employed for over 20 years as a secretary at Samaritan Bethany in Rochester. David was a longtime employee at IBM in Rochester. Shirley was a longtime member of Zion Lutheran Church in Stewartville. She enjoyed sewing, ceramics, gardening and cooking. She enjoyed visiting with friends and neighbors and loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Shirley is survived by her husband, David; two sons, Brent (Kay) and Kirk, both of Winona,; five grandchildren, Hunter Bailey, Kaelen Bailey, Scott (Emma) Bailey, Christopher (Nicole) Bailey, and Wyatt Bailey; two great- grandchildren, Kavery and Taylor; three sisters, Geraldine (Russ) Farnsworth of Northfield, Kris Deo of Spring Valley and Violet Glasby of Rochester; two brothers, John (Mary) Mattison of Wabasha and Bob Mattison of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Shirley was preceded in death by her son, Brian, her parents, her infant sister, Mary and a brother, Gary Mattison.
Due to public health concerns no service or visitation will be held at this time. A private family burial and committal service will take place at the Minnesota State Veteran's Cemetery in Preston.
A Celebration of Life for Shirley will take place at a later date and time to be determined.
Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray Funeral Home in Stewartville. Condolences and memories of Shirley are welcome at www.griffin-gray.com.
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