Kathryn Louise Bailey

Kathryn Louise Bailey

Kathryn Louise Bailey, 92, passed away July 31 in Scottsdale, Ariz. She was born in Fort Scott, Kan., Aug. 25,1927, she was the only child of Dr. and Mrs. William T. Wilkening, who lived at 512 S. Judson for nearly 40 years. During that time, Dr. Wilkening practiced general medicine in Fort Scott and the surrounding area. His office was on the second floor of the Stout Building. He was on the staff of Mercy Hospital and served as chief of staff. Dr. Wilkening died in 1960 and Mrs. Wilkening in 1966. They are buried in Evergreen Cemetery.

Kathryn Wilkening attended Northwestern University where she met Vernon C. Bailey, II, a fellow student, who became the love of her life. She graduated from Northwestern in June of 1948 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in business administration. They were married in the First Presbyterian Church of Fort Scott, Sept. 25 the same year. Three little girls were all born at Mercy Hospital during the five years they lived in Kansas City. Vernon worked for Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance. A friend encouraged him to work for Avon Products, Inc., and this led to a 30-year career, which took the family to New York. The family lived in Hartsdale for nine years and Scarsdale for 21 years. They were active members of Hitchcock Presbyterian Church in Scarsdale. Katie and Vernon retired to Scottsdale, Ariz., in 1985 and were active members of Valley Presbyterian Church in Paradise Valley. Kathryn was an elder and deacon. When she could no longer drive and her youngest daughter became associate pastor of Desert Palms Presbyterian Church in Sun City West, Ariz., she began attending church with her and felt that she had two church homes.

On the congregational level, she served as president of Mothers’ Club, Bible Study Leader, Circle Leader, Church School Teacher, Church School Superintendent of the Primary Department, All Church Nominating Committee, president of the Women’s Association, Congregational Life Council. On the Presbyterial level, she served as district coordinator (10 churches), president (103 churches), Partner for Transition (during reunion - 65 churches). On the Presbytery Level (103 churches) she served on the General Council, Ministerial Relations Committee, Major Mission Fund (10 churches), vice-moderator for the Presbytery. She served as a Synod Commissioner and as Secretary for Presbyterian Women in the Synod.

Family was always a priority. As her children were growing up, she focused on activities related to them: PTA, Scouting, church. She loved time with family and friends, travel, bridge, reading, cooking, crossword puzzles and dancing. She was a published author. Kathryn met the Lunts after they moved into 512 S. Judson and was delighted to see the house was so loved and cared for. Fort Scott remained dear to her throughout her life. She was a lifelong subscriber to The Fort Scott Tribune, kept up on major changes and always enjoyed the Memories Spring Eternal column.

Vernon predeceased her in June of 2012. Survivors include daughters, Janet Bailey Beirne (Folsom, Calif.), Karen (and Michael) Cahall (Pittsburgh, Penn.), Rev. Linda Bailey (Scottsdale, Ariz.), five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. A private family committal service was held at Valley Presbyterian Church in Arizona on Aug. 25. A Celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Memorial gifts may be made to Desert Palms Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund, 13459 W Stardust Blvd., Sun City West, AZ 85375 (specify for Kathryn L. Bailey on the notation line) or to a charity of your choice.