Beverly Bailey

Beverly "Bev" Sue Bailey, 66, of Weippe, Idaho, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed peacefully surrounded by family on March 30, 2022 after a heroic battle against cancer.

She was born on June 14, 1955 to John "Jack" and Caryl Smolinski. Raised on her family farm in Weippe, Bev attended Weippe Elementary and Middle Schools before graduating from Timberline High School in 1973. During her high school days, Bev was actively involved in Cheerleading, Drill Team, Track, and was on the school's very first Girls Basketball team. Athletically gifted in Track, Bev competed in Long Jump, and even went to state in the 100 Meter Dash and High Jump.

Bev met the love of her life, Barry Bailey from St. Maries Idaho, at the Weippe Teen Center in early 1971. While they were dating, one of Bev's favorite things to do with Barry was going to Orofino to see a movie at the Rex Theater and to the A&W for root beer floats. The couple married in late 1971 at the Wesleyan Church in Weippe and enjoyed their life together in her hometown for over 50 years.

Bev and Barry welcomed their only daughter, Kimberly, in 1972. When asked what it was like to be a mother, Bev responded with pure love in her eyes, "No words can even begin to describe it." Bev was devoted to her daughter and was her biggest fan, travelling around with Kim as she competed in rodeo barrel racing and made it to nationals. She enjoyed raising her daughter and then walking beside her in friendship through the endless travelling, adventures, and activities they did together.

Bev was a wonderful friend and teammate. An avid bowler, she started the "Just-for-Fun" league and enjoyed many years with Kim and other close friends, competing both locally, and nationally. Bev even scored a perfect 300 game. She also played the position of first base for both a travelling women's softball team called "Charlie's Angels" and later the Orofino Ladies Softball League. During her softball years, she earned MVP multiple times and also was named the Home Run Derby Champion.

A self-proclaimed workaholic, Bev was a substitute teacher for the school district for 5 years, worked with the Weippe Rodeo, eventually started and ran her own successful business "Creative Gifts" for over 26 years, and also, with her team of elves, made and shipped hundreds of beautiful wreaths and swags each year for the holidays.

Growing up, Bev loved crafts and horseback riding in the canyon with her friends. This passion for horses coupled with her immense love for people and community continued throughout her lifetime as she led 4H for 15 years, started the Timberline Rodeo Club (and took kids to state for competition), assisted with the Junior Rodeo, and started Horse Play Nights (a much-loved annual summer community event). Bev won the novice barrel racing at the Weippe Rodeo in the 80s and was honored to be named Grand Marshall in 2020. Those that knew and loved Bev would say she didn't sit still for long. She was a "go-er" and devoted innumerable hours in service to her beloved community including co-founding the Timberline All School Reunion in 2000 and raising funds annually for the Timberline Alumni Scholarship Fund through which she awarded two scholarships each year. She also assisted with the "Retreat to Weippe" event for over 20 years and remained an avid financial supporter and advocate for the Weippe Rodeo and Weippe Farmers Market.

Bev and Barry's absolute delight arrived in 2007, their grandson Connor. Connor was absolutely adored by Bev who loved travelling around to watch Connor compete in sporting events. She loved every moment spent with her grandson and would share about him and how proud she was of him to any and all willing to listen. When asked what it felt like to be a grandma, she stated, "You've never lived until you've been a grandma."

Bev's favorite saying was "Get er done"; a motto she lived and breathed in her own life. Bev was going and getting it done until her very last days. She made a tremendous impact and left an unsurpassed legacy in this community through her endless dedication, hard work, and love. The impression she's left is far-reaching and the mark she's made on the lives of others will remain cherished in their hearts.

Beverly Bailey was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Caryl Smolinski, and Ross Bailey. She is survived by her husband Barry Bailey, daughter Kimberly Cox, son-in-law Toby Cox, grandson Connor Cox, sister Christine and Fred Walsh and , Dolores Watson mother in-law, in-laws Terry and Bill Millage, Rick and Donna Bailey, and Sue and John Wyatt, and many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service honoring Bev will be held on June 4, 2022, 1:00PM at Fraser Cemetery. A potluck reception will immediately follow at the Deyo Reservoir.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to all who volunteered to make meals, care for, love on, pray for, and assist the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests those who wish to express sympathy consider making a donation to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.