Ida Bailey passed away Wednesday, June 12, 2024 after a brief illness. She died peacefully at her home with her family at her side.

Ida was born in Hancock, Massachusetts on February 13, 1926 to August and Bernhardina Johnson originally from Sweden. Ida had two older sisters, Evelyn and Esther, who predeceased her. Ida graduated from Pittsfield High School and worked in the Pittsfield, Massachusetts offices of General Electric.

Ida married Richard ("Dick") R. Bailey on February 20, 1946. Dick was in the Navy at the time and they began their life together in Coronado, California. After Dick graduated from Utah State University in 1952 he entered the U.S. Army as an officer and obtained his pilot wings in 1956.

Ida enjoyed her life as a military officer's wife, and she excelled at the responsibilities it entailed. Ida was a fantastic hostess and an excellent cook. Ida volunteered as a dental assistant to military dentists and also volunteered to see young soldiers off to duty in Vietnam.

Ida and Dick lived in numerous states and in Wurzburg, Germany. During the three year assignment in Germany a high point for Ida was visiting her Swedish relatives along with Dick and their two children, "Ron" and Connie, and with Ida's mother Bernhardina and sister Evelyn.

After a distinguished 30 year career in the military, Dick, with Ida, retired in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. Ida enjoyed playing bridge and was in several bridge clubs over the years. She loved trips to Myrtle Beach and also skiing trips with friends. Ida loved hosting and entertaining her various nieces and nephews and other family members from the New England area, as well as her son, daughter and their spouses. Decorating for the holidays and maintaining a welcoming home were other activities Ida relished.

Ida moved to Vero Beach in November of 2009, a year and a half after the passing of her husband Dick to be closer to her son and daughter and their spouses. Ida was predeceased by her daughter-in-law, Clarice Bailey, in 2013 and by her son Ron in 2021. Ida is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Connie and Rance Hall of Vero Beach.

Ida maintained her curious and inquisitive nature of others over her lifetime. Her family often teased Ida by calling her the interrogator; acquaintances easily opened up to Ida's questioning that they would not volunteer to others. Ida's favorite activities the past few years included reading the newspaper every morning with a cup of coffee and visiting the hairdresser every Thursday. Ida enjoyed her 98th birthday celebration a day late on Valentine's Day by dining and dancing at Pointe West Country Club. Ida was the best mother and mother-in-law anyone could ask for, and it was a joy to have her with us as long as we did.

Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery alongside her husband Dick. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.