WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Rebecca L. Bailey, age 71, of Sturgis, died on Friday, April 5, 2024 at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo. She was born April 24, 1952 in Washington, DC, a daughter of John and Catherine (Frampton) Shay. Becky graduated from Otto Eldred High School in Pennsylvania in 1970, and later attended University of South Carolina, Tulsa Oklahoma Junior College and Glen Oaks Community College. On July 6, 1974 she married William N. Bailey in Eldred, PA.
Becky served in the United States Navy as a Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Petty Officer and was a Disabled American Veteran. During her service she was instrumental in the formation of the Family Practice Clinic at the Pensacola Air Base. Becky worked as an assistant instructor at Sturgis Schools for 20 years, retiring in 2003.
Surviving are her husband William Bailey, Sturgis, daughter Tina Marie (Greg) Chu, Phoenix, AZ, grandchildren Lillian, Lincoln and Davis “DD” Chu, brother Randy (Kim) Shay, sister Mary Shay, brother in law Steve (Karen) Bailey, sisters in law Jean Ann (Bill) Hensell, Judi Sadewasser, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Richard Shay.
Becky’s wishes were to be cremated. Relatives and friends will be received Wednesday, April 10th from 3 to 4 pm at Eley Funeral Home in Centreville, with Memorial Services beginning at 4 pm. Pastor Tony Ferguson of Living Hope Fellowship, Sturgis, will officiate and Military Honors will be conferred. Interment of Ashes will take place at a later date at Prairie River Cemetery in Centreville. Memorial contributions may be directed the American Legion Post #73. To sign Becky’s online guest book and leave a message for the family visit www.eleyfuneralhomes.com.
