Helen Louise Bailey

Helen Louise Bailey, 88, died encompassed by the love of her family on the evening of January 27, 2023, in Ocala, Florida. She was born in Pughtown, WV., on November 24, 1934.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William in 2001. They were married in 1954. Also preceding her in death was her mother, Doris Arehart Watson, her father, George Wood Arehart, her maternal grandparents, Archie and Hellen Huff who raised her, and her brother William Arehart.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Barbara Louise (Bobbi Lou) Bailey, and her fiancé, Jeff Boyd of Calcutta, Ohio. She leaves two grandsons, Brian (Becca) Marx of Ft. Benning, GA., and Bill (Tanya) Marx of New Cumberland, WV.

Helen also leaves three adorable great-grandchildren, Quinlan, Declan, and Adalyn Marx of Ft. Benning, and a bonus great-granddaughter, Jessie of New Cumberland. Also surviving are brothers and sisters, Carl Watson of Parsons, WV., JoAnne McKinney of Dover, OH., Rev. Thomas (Joyce) Arehart of New Cumberland, WV., and Terrie Staley of Rogers, OH.

Helen Louise was organist for several years for the Fairview Presbyterian Church in Pughtown, WV., She was also an avid bowler, once bowling a 279.

Her husband’s job took them all over the US, seeing, living, and bowling in much of our great country.

The above was written by my mother Helen and she told me to add anything if I wanted, so I will.

My mother worked at Pleasant Hills Golf Course which she and Dad once owned, Russ Davis IGA in Chester, WV., and for the Sheriff of Matagorda County in Texas which she described as “The best job ever”.

She golfed in leagues at home and in Ocala, but bowling was her passion. She bowled from her 20s through the age of 88, competing in many different local and state tournaments. She last bowled on December 22nd in one of her two leagues in Ocala.

She was a fun person who once tried out for Wheel of Fortune and signed Dad, her grandsons, and me to be on the Family Feud without our knowledge.

She was a good friend to many and a caring relative.

To us she was Mom, Grandma, GG, Mrs., and “The Helen”. The latter meaning you should probably hide. She was protective and devoted and built many bridges for us to cross during difficult times.

She dearly loved and was exceptionally proud of her grandsons and their wives. Her great-grandchildren brought her immense happiness and joy.

She loved Jeff and relied on him to take care of many things for her. He never let her down.

My mother did not waste a minute of her life never waiting for things to happen to her or for her. All our lives have been enriched by hers.

Thank you to everyone from Ocala and home, friends, and family, for your calls, visits, prayers, and cards. So very appreciated. A special thanks to Brian, Becca, Bill, and Tanya. You came without hesitation to care for Mom and for me. Thank you and I love you.

Jeff, you quietly took care of all of us during this painful time including my mom. Thank you and I love you.

Mom, I have loved you every day of my life. And I will miss you every day for the rest of it. Thank you for my life, Mom and I love you.

Bobbi Lou

There will be a celebration of Helen’s life at Arner Funeral Chapel on June 7, 2023, at 2:00 PM. Friends may visit Helen’s family an hour before the service from 1:00 PM-2:00 PM. 

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