Donna Rae Bailey, age 80, of McCook, Nebraska and formerly of Arapahoe, Nebraska, passed away December 31, 2020 at the Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook. She was born to Edward “Ted” Charles and Olive Delphine (Keller) Smith on November 26, 1940.
Donna was united in marriage to Melvin Ervin Bailey on February 27, 1960 at a family farmhouse in Adams County, Colorado. They raised their two children in Colorado, making a home in Lafyette where Melvin worked for United Asphalts, Inc. In 2003 Donna and Melvin retired to Arapahoe, NE. Donna enjoyed watching her soap operas and a good western, especially anything with John Wayne aka “The Duke” in it. She was passionate about keeping a clean house and enjoyed rearranging her furniture and decorations. Donna was happiest when she was around her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Olive; stepfather, Lewis Trusty; husband, Melvin in 2011; daughter, Laurie Ann Carlton; brothers, Myron “Bubbie” (Grace) Smith and Marvin “Corky” (Kay) Smith.
Survivors include her son, Ervin (Joyce) Bailey of McCook, NE; granddaughter, Catherine (Justin) Cobb and daughter, Anne of Cambridge, Nebraska; granddaughter, Ashley (Steven) Elliott and children, Jarrod and Kendra of Oberlin, Kansas; grandson, Jared (Emily) Bailey and son, Micah of Colorado Springs, Colorado; sister, Lois Coons of Callaway, Nebraska; sister, Beverly (Dale) Bailey of Broken Bow, Nebraska; brother, Gary (Penny) Smith of Parker, Colorado; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. (CT), Thursday morning, January 7, 2021 at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook, NE. Donna will be entombed in Olinger’s Evergreen Cemetery and Mausoleum in Broomfield, Colorado on Friday, January 6, 2021.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday afternoon, from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook, NE.
Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Institute in Donna’s name. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel is entrusted with arrangements.