Alice Arlene Bailey

Alice Arlene Bailey, passed away Wednesday, September 22, 2021, in St. John, Washington. Viewing at the funeral home for family and friends will be Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day at Bruning Funeral Home in Colfax. A graveside service will be Friday, October 1, 2021, at 11:00 AM in the St. John Cemetery followed by a reception at the community building on the fair grounds in St. John.

Arlene was born February 1, 1937, in Oakesdale to George Schley and Sidonia (Weimer) Littleton. The youngest child of three, she was blessed to their family. She grew up around Rosalia and graduated from Rosalia High School at the age of 16. She completed one year of college at Kinman Business University before getting married at the young age of 17. She was offered a ride home from work in Rosalia one evening and her relationship with Norm started to bloom. She married Norman Eugene Bailey of Ewan in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, on December 16, 1954.

Blessed with nearly 67 years of marriage together, they made their home near Ewan on the cattle ranch and farm where Norman was born. They raised sons Keith and Brad on the ranch and the Baileys enjoyed much quality family-time with kids and grandkids alike.

Except for a few years cooking at local restaurants in St. John and Steptoe, Arlene was a homemaker. She loved to garden and enjoyed her long-time membership in the St. John Garden Club. When not keeping up with her yard or grandkids, she loved to cook and can as well. She was well known for her pies and her Christmas candy and she also loved to crochet. Every time she found out she was expecting a new grandchild or great-grandchild, she would crochet a set of little booties to pin to her blouse to let everyone know of the news. After Norman retired, he and Arlene enjoyed traveling in their motorhome, but would stick close to home to dedicate time to watch their grandkids' sporting events. Her life centered around her grandkids.

After battling breast cancer, Arlene became active in Relay for Life serving as captain of her Flying Eagles team. Her faith was very important to her. She was active in the St. John Methodist church until her passing.

She will be missed by many in the community, but especially by her children; Keith (Yvonne) Bailey of Davenport and Brad Bailey of Auburn; five grandchildren, Renell Bailey, Bryce (Becky) Bailey, Bradley (Mariann) Rose-Bailey, Nathan (Nikki) Bailey, and Tyler (Brienna) Bailey; by eight great-grandchildren, Schley, Aubrey, Elizabeth, Everett, Eliza, Braxton, Maddox, Brayden and Brodie; and by her brother Don (Judy) Littleton of Rosalia. She was preceded in death by her husband, Norm, her sister Patty, and by her parents.

The family suggests memorial gifts in her memory be to the St. John EMT's or to the Rosalia Ambulance. On-line guest book is at http://www.bruningfuneralhome.com .