Marian Geraldine "Gerry" Bailey passed away at Barry Community Care Center in Barry, IL, on March 26, 2026 at the age of 90.

She was born in Hartford, IL on February 29, 1936 to Earl Marion and Myra Mazella "Zella" (nee Kessinger) Bailey, joining an older brother, Allen Earl Bailey.

After graduating from Hardin High School in Hardin, IL, she then ventured west to the Portland, OR area to be near her brother Allen who was stationed there in the U.S. Navy. Soon after she followed him to the Los Angeles/San Diego, CA area. In Los Angeles, she met and married Jerome O. Irion, from that union a daughter Jeri Anne Irion was born. After divorcing Mr. Irion, she met and married a sailor, Ronald G. Feather in San Diego, CA, from that union a son William Clark "Bill" Feather was born.

In August 1971, the family left San Diego and ventured to Illinois, Pennsylvania and California multiple times before eventually moving to the Flathead Valley (MT) in February 1975 where her brother Allen and his family had recently settled after his retirement from the Navy. While in the Flathead she was employed by Suhr Transport Mayflower.

In July 1980, Gerry, Ron and Bill moved to Warsaw, IL while Anne remained in Montana to finish high school. After 15 years of marriage she and Ron divorced in February 1982, shortly thereafter she reunited with her first love Harold W. Mason, Sr. She and Harold spent 26 wonderful years together residing in their home in Tioga, IL. Though they never married, as Mom always said "Marriage is the #1 cause of Divorce!", their relationship was what most couples never have in a lifetime. Together they enjoyed spending time with their combined families, working in their vegetable garden and canning the fruits of their labors. Harold passed away on October 30, 2008.

Gerry worked at Lewis Hybrids, Inc. in Ursa, IL for many years and the Office Administrator and Detasseling Crew Leader retiring in 1998. After retirement she worked part-time as the Activity Director for the Hamilton Senior Center in Hamilton, IL. She was very passionate about her job and did many activities with the seniors who visited the center; including making plastic butterfly magnets from empty 2-litre pop bottles and raising the funds to purchase a new van for the center. Her other hobbies were: crocheting, reading, crossword puzzles and game shows. Her daughter Anne always called her the Jeopardy Queen!

She was preceded in death by the Love of Her Life Harold Mason, Sr., her parents, her brother Allen Earl Bailey, half-brother Gary Roy Hatfield, half-sister Shirley (nee Bailey) Mowreader, son-in-law Rick L. Herzog and lifelong friend Cora VanWormer. She is survived by her daughter, Jeri "Anne" Irion Herzog of Helena, MT, son William Clark (Jeanne) Feather of Alexandria, MO. Grandchildren: Tyrel (Angela) Herzog of Helena, MT, Brittany Herzog of East Helena, MT and Bailey Clark of Helena, MT and Kendra Clark of Loveland, CO. Great Grandchildren: Aryana Schiller, Tryp Schiller, Ethan, Herzog, Tyla Herzog and Rickee Herzog. Step-grandchildren: Cameron, Cassandra and Chase Lawrence.

Thank you to the Barry Community Care Center and the Blessing Hospice Staff for taking great care of our mother over the past four years.

Special thanks to Joyce Fee for her frequent visits and gifts to mom in our absence. Sometimes you meet people along your path in life who become amazing friends!

Memorials can be made to Homeward Bound Waggin, Inc. Link: https://www.homewardboundwaggininc.org/

At Mom's request, no services will be held. Interment has taken place at Oakland Cemetery in Warsaw, IL to rest in peace for all eternity next to Harold, The Love of Her Life!

Printy Funeral Home of Warsaw is in charge of arrangements.