Born March 28, 1928 in Sidell to James A. and Blanche (Bosley) Gannon, she married Melvin Chester Bailey on October 19, 1947 in Pekin. He died July 14, 1982. She also was preceded in death by her parents and one son, Bradley A. Bailey on May 29, 1983.
Surviving are one son, Bryon (Heidi) Bailey of Valley View, Texas; five grandchildren, Dustin (Ashley) Bailey of Sanger, Texas, Reese (Makenzie) Bailey of Ft Lauderdale, Florida, Angelique Counterman of Pekin, Michelle Bailey of Delavan, Adam (Tree) Bailey of Pekin, seven great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren, and one brother, Daniel (Jean) Gannon of Augusta. Also surviving is Glenda Bailey Boehle (widow of Bradley Bailey).
Barbara enjoyed fishing, traveling with her girlfriends, participating in Caterpillar Mixed Chorus stage plays, watching her grandkids in numerous sport activities and often traveling to Texas to visit her son and his family.
Barbara worked at Caterpillar, Inc. for 25 years, retiring in 1991 as an emergency parts clerk in Inventory Control.
She was a member of Zion Evangelical United Methodist Church in rural Pekin.
Her funeral will be at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, November 19, 2022 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor Ed Newlan will officiate. Visitation will be one hour before the funeral. Burial will be in Zion Evangelical United Methodist Church Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Zion Evangelical United Methodist Church, 3200 Cole Hollow Road, Pekin, IL 61554.
To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com
