Ethel Irene Bailey, 81, of Galesburg, died at 12:45 p.m. Sunday, March 31, 2024, in Allure of Knox County.
She was born July 31, 1942, in Canton, the daughter of Robert and Laura (Hicks) Forshee. She married Jerry Leroy Bailey on August 10, 1992, in Peoria.
She is survived by her husband of nearly 32 years, Jerry; a step-daughter, Charlene (Mike) Ashley; three grandchildren, Nick (Katie) Bailey, Jennifer Ashley, and Cody Ashley; three great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews, including, Laurie Hitz, who she helped raise; a sister, Luella Cooley; dear cousins, Steve and Melody Hevland; and in-laws, Kenny Bailey, Duane Bailey, and Jackie Hampton. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Jim Forshee and Steve Powell.
Ethel worked in housekeeping at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria for over 30 years before retiring. She was a Christian who had been active with the former Nazarene Church in Bushnell.
Ethel enjoyed watching WWE Wrestling. She was able to attend four live events over the years. Her favorite wrestler was John Cena. She was really close with the family cat, Justin.
Visitation will be 1 to 2 p.m. Friday, April 5, 2024, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel. Graveside service will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens. Pastor Rodney Fegan will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made to the family. Online condolences and memories may be shared on the funeral home’s website at www.h-p-w.com.
