Karen Lynn Bailey's Obituary
Big Rapids Karen Lynn Bailey, age 58,of Big Rapids, passed away Wednesday, May 5, 2010, at home in the loving arms of her family after a long battle with cancer.She was born May 30, 1951, in Detroit, the daughter of Thad and Verna (Putikka) Pearl, and graduated from Edsel Ford High School in Dearborn in 1969. Karen then earned her Bachelors of Arts Degree from Central Michigan University in 1973. On June 22, 1974, Karen married Bruce W. Bailey, and the couple moved to Big Rapids later that year, and have lived here since. From 1974 to 1980, Karen taught 5th grade in Reed City. She has been the 5th-6th grade teacher at St. Peters Lutheran School in Big Rapids since 1995. Karen was a member of Mars Hill Bible Church in Grandville. She was also active with the Muskegon River Watershed Assembly. Karen was a devoted wife, mother, friend, and teacher who loved life fully with passion, faith, wonder, and love. Karen is survived by her husband Bruce; son Matthew (Valerie) Bailey, and daughters Sarah Bailey and Anna (Jon) Ferrell, all of Grand Rapids; sisters Debra (Don) Taulbee of Bad Axe, and Donna (Tom) Olinzock of Taylor; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Sunday, May 9, at St. Peters Lutheran Church in Big Rapids, with Rev. John Bookshaw of St. Peters and Greg Mutch of Mars Hill officiating. Burial will be in the Yuma Cemetery in Wexford County. Karens family will greet friends today (Friday) from 6-8 p.m., and Saturday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, and at the church prior to services on Sunday. Memorial contributions in her name may be made for St. Peters Lutheran School, or Mars Hill Bible Church for Water Projects, with envelopes available at the funeral home. Share a memory or express condolences at www.mohnkefuneralhome.com
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