Muriel "Ardyce" Bailey

Muriel "Ardyce" Bailey, 86, of Rowan, Iowa, died Jan. 31, 2007, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa.
Funeral services for Ardyce Bailey were held on Monday, Feb. 5, at the United Church of Rowan with Pastor Nancy Hofmeister officiating. Burial was at the Graceland Cemetery near Rowan.
Ardyce was born on Feb. 1, 1920, on a farm near Rowan. She was the daughter of E. R. "Rollie" and Jessie (Allen) Harris. She graduated from Rowan High School. On Sept. 1, 1940, she was united in marriage to Kenneth Elmer Bailey. They built a life together on the family farm near Rowan where they raised five children.
Ardyce was a life member of the United Church of Rowan. She was very active in her church and especially enjoyed the quilting group. She was an inspiration to many and always put other's needs before her own. Her family was the most important thing in her life. She enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Playing cards was a favorite pastime of hers. She was often heard to say, "Sure would be nice if some of you folks could win." Her hobbies were quilting, crocheting, gardening, cooking, playing the piano, and traveling. Each of her hand-stitched quilts was completed with love and joy. Each child, grandchild, and great-grandchild received at least one of her labors of love. She also made quilts for nieces, nephews and cousins. The number of quilts is hard to determine, but it is well over 100. Ardyce enjoyed traveling with her husband all over the United States and other countries. They also wintered in Florida, California, and Arizona.
Ardyce was currently living at the Apple Valley Assisted Living Center in Clear Lake, Iowa. She thoroughly enjoyed her time there and the helpful friends she made.
Ardyce is survived by four sons, Larry and wife, Carol of Belmond, Iowa, Dennis and wife, Donna of Rowan, Ronnie and wife, Connie of St. Joseph, Mo., and Marv and wife, Dee Dee of Klemme, Iowa; one daughter, Cindy and husband, Dean Lehs, of Clear Lake; 21 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Lois Johnson, and one brother, Merle Harris.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth; her parents; and her brother, Bob Harris.
Dugger Ewing Funeral Home of Belmond, Iowa, was in charge of arrangements.