Beatrice "Bea" Bailey

Beatrice Marva Bell Bailey, wonderful mother, wife, sister and friend returned to her home in heaven and the arms of her husband on May 2, 2023.

Bea was born on November 18, 1938, to Almer and Flora Mae Higbee Bell in Chester, Idaho. She was one of 13 children born to the couple.

Bea’s early life was spent on the farm. She loved the smell of the earth and loved riding the harrow with her younger brother Bud. She helped her mother harvest from their large garden and until recently canned and dried fruit from her and her dad’s yard. Mom worked several jobs, including summers in Yellowstone Park and at Kings in Montpelier with her dear friend Pompi Taylor.

She married Terry Bailey on March 1, 1958. Together they had three children: Lizbeth, Curtis and Susan. Their married life included several moves through Idaho, New Mexico, and Utah. They eventually made Pocatello their home, living on Fairway Drive for more than 20 years.

Bea received her degree from the University of Idaho in 1973, majoring in Education with a minor in Special Education. She was the first and only one of her family to graduate from college. She was very proud of her accomplishment. Bea started her career at Edahow Elementary and ended it at Indian Hills Elementary. She loved meeting her former students out in the community and always watched the newspaper for their accomplishments. They truly were her pride and joy. Once mom started teaching and referred to “her kids”, she meant her school kids and not Liz, Curt or Susie.

Bea was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was blessed with a strong testimony of her Savior.

Bea is survived by her three children: Lizbeth (Dallas) Ward, Curtis (Dana) Bailey and Susan (Larry) Christensen; 14 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; and her sister Joyce Boland of Nice, California.

She was preceded in death by her husband Terry Bailey, her parents, and her other siblings.

The family would like to thank the staff of Grace Assisted Living for their compassionate service, and mom’s many wonderful friends who enriched her life. She loved you all.

Funeral services honoring Bea will be held on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Highland 4th Ward, 2000 S. Fairway, Pocatello.  Her family will receive friends and others at a viewing to be held on Monday, May 8, 2023 from 6-8 p.m. at Wilks Funeral Home in Chubbuck, and then at a visitation to take place for one hour prior to the funeral services at the church.  Graveside services will follow at Mountain View Cemetery. 

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family under the Tribute Wall tab above.