Elinor Ingeborg Bailey

Elinor Ingeborg Johnson Bailey, 97, of Ferndale passed away September 1, 2016.  Born February 22, 1919 in Seattle to Bror Otto Johnson and Lean Naslund Johnson.  Elinor was the consoler for her father, younger siblings, Raymond and Marie, after her mother’s death when she was 9.  She was a proud graduate of Queen Ann High School in Seattle and attended Western Washington College.  Elinor and Loren H. Bailey, Sr. were married in the spring of 1939.  After a few years living in Mt. Vernon, WA Loren, Elinor and children Susan and Loren Jr. moved to the farm in Ferndale to help with the dairy cows.  Son, Edwin, joined the family in 1945.   The city girl had to adapt quickly to the hard work of farming, gardening, canning, repurposing clothing and mending.  She balanced work with volunteer activities of Church, PTA, Campfire Girls receiving the highest award: the Luther Halsey Gulick Award.  When friends dropped in unannounced it was an enjoyable time even if it was a Sunday dinner.   Highlights were two trips to Sweden (both Elinor's parent's heritage) and Norway (Loren's mother's birthplace) staying with relatives.  Later on, she received much joy being involved in her church family at the United Church, the Mariners, Ferndale Senior Center, playing bridge, Scrabble, her cat Cramer, family and friends.  She was preceded in death by husband, Loren, Sr. of 57 years, brother, Ray and sister, Marie.  Elinor is survived by daughter, Susan Wright; sons, Loren H. Bailey Jr. (Martha), and Edwin Bailey; grandchildren, Craig Wright (Heidi), Christopher Wright (Cam Linh), Mark Wright (Jamie), Jed Bailey and Kate Bailey; great grandchildren, Matthew, Samuel, Zachary, Blake, Katherine, Brandon and Austin Wright.  Gram made each one of us feel very special and loved.  With her genealogy research and holiday specialties (lefse, lutefish, etc.) she left us with a great love of our heritage.  Special thanks to Delpha Johnson, Elinor’s devoted caregiver for 3 ½ years. NWRC Respite Care, Dr. John Knudsen and Eden Home Health.  Memorials may be made to United Church of Ferndale, PO Box 186, Ferndale, WA  98248.  A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 24, 2016 at 2:00 PM, at the United Church, 2034 Washington Street, Ferndale, WA.  Private Interment at Greenacres Cemetery.