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Obituary for Shirley Bailes
Shirley Bailes July 13, 1934 – Dec. 24, 2009 Shirley Bailes passed away at her home in Gold Beach on Thursday, December 24, 2009. She was 75. Shirley was born July 13, 1934 in Maryville, IN to Ralph and Gladys (Snellenberger) Herstine. When she was 11 years old, the family moved to Tucson, AZ where she attended and graduated from high school. Shirley then moved to California where she received her RN degree at Hollywood Presbyterian Nursing School. While there she met John Bailes. They were married in Tucson, AZ on September 1, 1956. John graduated from UCLA and they moved to Missouri for medical school. This was followed by a move to Tucson, Arizona for John's medical residency before Shirley and John came to Gold Beach in 1964. After moving, Shirley stayed home to raise the children and would help out in John’s medical practice in Gold Beach. She was an active member of the First Baptist Church. Shirley enjoyed traveling, whether it was trips to Hawaii and New Zealand, annual trips to Portland and Phoenix to see her children, or just her daily walks to the post office - she didn’t like to sit still. She also enjoyed gardening and was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Survivors include her husband of 53 years, Dr. John Bailes of Gold Beach; son Dr. Douglas Bailes and his wife, Elizabeth Bailes and their children Timothy and Jacqueline of Phoenix, AZ; daughter, Dr. Kathryn Todd and husband Russell Todd and their children, Jalen and Oteka of Banks, OR; and sister, Janet Herstine of Hurst, TX. Shirley was preceded in death by her brother, Glen. Memorial contributions may be made to the Curry County Animal Shelter or the Salvation Army. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 9, 2010 at 11:00 am at First Baptist Church, 29755 Turner St. in Gold Beach. A reception will follow the service there. Shirley was laid to rest in a private family ceremony at Rogue River Cemetery in Gold Beach.
