Arlene Bailey

Arlene Bailey of Billings, Montana was called home to be a quilter for the Lord on September 11, 2008 after a 4 year battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her beloved Children and Grandchildren.

Arlene was born on February 21, 1942 to Alfred and Maggie VanderVorste along with her twin sister Marlene Backman of Bismarck in the family farmhouse in Emmons County, North Dakota. Arlene and Marlene are the younger sisters to Twylah Hollaar of Pollock, South Dakota.

Arlene graduated from Strasburg High School in May of 1960 and is a graduate of Capital Commercial College in Bismarck, North Dakota. After which she worked for the North Dakota Securities Commission and later with the Mandan North Dakota Refinery.

Arlene was married to Roger Bailey in 1964 and moved to Billings Montana in 1967. She then worked for Conoco Oil and then for the United States Census Bureau for 15 years.

Arlene and Roger have two children, Tammy (Derek) Dicks of Billings and Terry (Jayme) Bailey of Tucson AZ, and Grandchildren Shawnee, Austin, Makenna and another due in March of 2009.

Arlene was known to all as a person who gave more to others than she gave to herself. Arlene was rarely seen resting as she was always busy with exquisite quilts, intricate cross stitching, and delicate crocheting and knitting which she loved to give away. Arlene built a beautiful quilt that was raffled off in order to help pay for Shawnee's trip to Europe. She was known far and wide for her beautifully decorated cakes and especially for both her children's wedding cakes. She loved to travel and scrapbook her memories for all to look at. Her favorite trip was to Europe.

Arlene kept part time jobs for fun such as working for Samplers Plus and Costco doing food demos and Good Earth Market cleaning and stocking shelves. She spent countless hours volunteering with Retired Seniors Volunteer Program (RSVP) and Yellowstone Council on Aging.

The family would like to extend their sincere thank you to Dr. Cobb and the staff at Hematology Oncology Center, as well as RiverStone Hospice and Horizon Hospice Home for their dedication and loving care.

Donations may be made to Shiloh United Methodist Church at 1810 Shiloh Rd, Billings, Mt 59106 and to Retired Seniors Volunteer Program (RSVP)-1309 19th St. West, Billings Mt 59102.

The family will be receiving friends for visitation from 6-8 p.m., on Friday, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 A.M., on Saturday, September 13, 2008 at Shiloh United Methodist Church, 1810 Shiloh Rd. Burial will follow at Yellowstone Valley Memorial Park.

Hi Tammy and Terry, We were so sorry to learn of your mom’s illness and passing. It’s been a couple of years since we’ve seen her, but I think it was at a food demo at Costco. I always felt warmth in her genuine smile and greeting. We have fond memories of our Rough Rider days together. Arlene was a special lady and we just want you to know we’re thinking of you at this time. Gene and Bobi Allard

Terry, Sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Your mother was a terrific person and will be missed. Your TSA Tucson Family