Patricia Bailey

Funeral services for Patricia Bailey were held on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Bonesteel, SD, with Father Jonathan Dillon officiating. Donna Schmitz was lector. Music was provided by the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church choir, accompanied by Roberta Witt, organist. Amy Bailey was in charge of registration. Casket bearers were Matthew Bailey, Keri Bailey, Caitlin Powell, Saylor Benson, Jackson Dobesh, Jared Dobesh, Ria Bailey, Shelby Schoffelman, Krystal Sehr, and Kassi Janousek. Interment was in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Bonesteel, SD. Clausen Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Patricia “Patty” Bailey was born on January 27, 1940 to William and Marie Schmitz (Ertz) at the home of her parents near Bonesteel. She passed away on March 10, 2024 at the Avera Gregory Hospital at the age of 84.

She graduated from Bonesteel High School in 1958. That same summer she attended summer school in Springfield SD, and then taught school in 1958 -1959 in Norris, SD. In 1956 Patty was almost 16 years old and went on her first date with Eben. After going together for three years, they became engaged on December 20,1958, and were united in marriage on June 27, 1959.

After their wedding, they went to “hot” Fort Hood, TX, and lived in their first home for two months while Eben was in the service. A short time after living in Texas, Eben received orders to go to Germany, and Patty joined Eben where they lived off base in a German house. Their first child, Kelly, was born in Germany. They were back in the states in 1961, and had four more children: David, Lorie, Lisa and Kevin. It was during this time they started their cattle ranching business near Bonesteel, SD. Life on the ranch was filled with hard work, homemade meals, and family gatherings.

Patty loved her family to the depths of her heart. She was a wonderful cook who fed our souls not only with food, but also instilled in us how to treat others. Patty served for years on St. Mary’s Altar Society funeral committee, served children meals at Head Start, and worked in the Lake Andes Nursing Home.

Most of all, Patty wove her example in her actions to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren or anyone who really knew her and had the time to listen. Patty was able to reach others with her meaningful conversations about you…it was always about the other person, not herself. She truly cared for others, and wanted peace for those she loved.

Patty is survived by her husband Eben and her five children: Kelly (Jody) Bailey of Bonesteel, SD, David (Roberta) Bailey of Bonesteel, SD, Lorie (Kevin) Schoffelman of Tea, SD, Lisa (John) Montgomery of Ankeny, IA, and Kevin Bailey of Beresford, SD; 13 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren; sisters Shirley Pistulka of Grinnell, IA, Carol (Dan) Pistulka of Sioux Falls, SD, and Donna Schmitz of Gregory, SD; and sister-in-law Margie Schmitz of Helena, MT.

Patty was preceded in death by her parents William and Marie Schmitz (Cozad); sister Marlene Schmitz; brothers LeRoy, and Bob Schmitz; grandson Kaden Paulson; and brother-in-law Kenneth Pistulka.

The family asks that memorials be donated to the Catholic Church in Bonesteel, SD.