Shirley J. Bailey

Shirley  J.  Bailey, 77 , a Rochester,MN resident passed away  of natural causes on Saturday (October 31,  2020)  at her home.

 Shirley Jean Mattison was born  on  October 25, 1943  in Rochester,MN  to Gerhart  and Thelma ( Hovda ) Mattison.  She grew up on the family farm, attended country school and Spring Valley H.S, graduating in 1961. She attended Rochester Vocational College , where she received her medical secretary degree. Shirley was married to David Bailey in 1962 in Austin,MN. The couple moved to Spring Valley,Mn before moving to Stewartville in 1968, where they raised their sons and made their home for a number of years.  Shirley was a homemaker and was employed for over 20 years as a secretary at Samaritan Bethany in Rochester. David was a longtime employee at IBM in Rochester. Shirley was a longtime member of Zion Lutheran Church in Stewartville. She enjoyed sewing, ceramics, gardening and cooking. She enjoyed visiting with friends and neighbors and loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

Shirley is survived by her husband -  David ;  2 sons – Brent(Kay)  and Kirk both of Winona,MN;  5 grandchildren – Hunter Bailey,  Kaelen Bailey, Scott ( Emma) Bailey, Kristopher(Nicole) Bailey, and Wyatt Bailey and 2 great grandchildren -  Kavery and Taylor; 3  sisters – Geraldine(Russ) Farnsworth of Northfield,MN; Chris Deo of Spring Valley,MN and Violet Glasby of Rochester,MN;  2 brothers –John(Mary) Mattison of Wabasha and Bob(Yolanda) Mattison of Albeqerque NM and sister-in-law – Barb Mattison of Spring Valley,MN.  Shirley  was preceded in death by her son – Brian, her parents, her infant sister – Mary, brother – Gary Mattison and brother-in-law –Ray Deo.        

Due to public health concerns  no services or visitation will be held at this time. A private family burial and committal service will take place at the Minnesota State Veteran’s Cemetery in Preston. A  Celebration of Life for Shirley will take place at a later date and time to be determined.  Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray F.H. in Stewartville. Condolences and memories of Shirley  are welcome at www.griffin-gray.com.

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