Donna Rae Bailey

Tuesday, January 5, 2021

Donna Rae Bailey

Nov. 26, 1940 - Dec. 31, 2020

McCOOK, Neb. — Donna Rae Bailey, 80, of McCook and formerly of Arapahoe, passed away Dec. 31, 2020, at the Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook. She was born to Edward “Ted” Charles and Olive Delphine (Keller) Smith on Nov. 26, 1940.

Donna was united in marriage to Melvin Ervin Bailey on Feb. 27, 1960, at a family farmhouse in Adams County, Colo. They raised their two children in Colorado, making a home in Lafyette where Melvin worked for United Asphalts, Inc. In 2003, Donna and Melvin retired to Arapahoe. Donna enjoyed watching her soap operas and a good western, especially anything with John Wayne, aka “The Duke,” in it. She was passionate about keeping a clean house and enjoyed rearranging her furniture and decorations. Donna was happiest when she was around her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Olive; stepfather, Lewis Trusty; husband, Melvin in 2011; daughter, Laurie Ann Carlton; brothers, Myron “Bubbie” (Grace) Smith and Marvin “Corky” (Kay) Smith.

Survivors include her son, Ervin (Joyce) Bailey of McCook; granddaughter, Catherine (Justin) Cobb and daughter, Anne of Cambridge, Neb.; granddaughter, Ashley (Steven) Elliott and children, Jarrod and Kendra of Oberlin, Kan.; grandson, Jared (Emily) Bailey and son, Micah of Colorado Springs, Colo.; sister, Lois Coons of Callaway, Neb.; sister, Beverly (Dale) Bailey of Broken Bow, Neb.; brother, Gary (Penny) Smith of Parker, Colo.; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. (CT), Thursday morning, Jan. 7, 2021, at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook. Donna will be entombed in Olinger’s Evergreen Cemetery and Mausoleum in Broomfield, Colo., on Friday, Jan. 6, 2021.

Visitation will be Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 6, 2021, from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook. Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Institute in Donna’s name. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com.

Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel is entrusted with arrangements.