Bailey Funeral Home

12/01/2025

✨ National Christmas Lights Day ✨
Today we celebrate the soft glow that brings warmth, comfort, and a little extra brightness to this season. Here at Bailey Funeral Home, our Christmas decorations are now up, and the lights throughout our building remind us of the love, memories, and moments that continue to shine in our hearts.
As we enter this special time of year, we hope the glow of the season brings you peace, reflection, and gentle reminders of those you hold dear. 🌟🎄🕯️

11/28/2025

To join the livestream of Verna Kay's service, please select the link below. The service broadcast will commence at 01:55 P.M. Sunday, November 30, 2025 and will be archived for 90 days following the service for later viewing.
https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc2NDM1NjkwMDM5MDcyMSZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==

Verna Kay Gunther, age 77, a resident of Goreville passed away on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at 4:17 pm at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh, Indiana after an extended illness.

Verna Kay was the daughter of John Vernial and Oma Vee Walden Odum. On January 28, 1966, she was united in marriage to David E. Gunther in Vienna, Illinois at her childhood church, the Assembly of God. Together they shared over 59 years of marriage.

In addition to her husband David she is survived by her son, Lonnie David Gunther (Gina) of Goreville and 4 grandchildren, Dustin, Aaron (Britani), Andy and Kaylee.

Verna Kay was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Billy Odum. She leaves behind a sister, Charlene Baity (Larry) and many dear friends and relatives.

Verna Kay was a 1965 graduate of Vienna High School where she was the recipient of the DAR Good Citizen Award. She worked for a few months as a clerk typist at the Anna State Hospital before her marriage. Her lifelong love was caring for children. She babysat other people’s kids before and later after her son’s birth. She had always wanted children of her own and finally after one miscarriage, God granted her wish with the birth of her son. He arrived two weeks past his due date to arrive right on her birthday. As she would often tell others “he was the BEST birthday present I ever received”. Later on, after her son married, she was so proud the day arrived when she gained the new title of “Grandma” after the birth of her first grandson Dustin. She dedicated her life to caring for her grandchildren while their parents were at work or otherwise needed her help. Never turning down a chance to be with them.

Always a “shy” person she “got her voice” after her grandchildren were born as she explained to others “I HAD to learn to talk more so I could brag on my grandchildren.” Nothing in life brought her more pleasure than spending time with her grandchildren and telling others about their precious antics.

Verna Kay loved God with all her heart and was so glad her parents had taken her to church as a child and given her a strong Christian foundation. She loved to read, bake, sew and work outdoors in her yard but, if given the chance to choose, time spent with her grandchildren was what she loved most.

A service celebrating Verna Kay will be held on Sunday, November 30, 2025 at 2 pm at Bailey Funeral Home. In accordance with her wishes there will be no visitation Those attending the service are invited to gather from 1:30 pm until the time of service.

Burial will follow in Graves Cemetery, north of Vienna.

Memorials may be made to Chemo Buddies, 3700 Bellemeade Avenue, Suite 118, Evansville, IN 47714.

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11/28/2025

🦃✨ The Day After Thanksgiving! ✨🦃
We hope your Thanksgiving was filled with laughter, love, and maybe just a little too much pie! 🥧
As we settle into “Leftover Turkey Day” (and maybe sneak a second helping), remember: just like memories, some things are even better the next day. 💛
If you’re looking for ways to make those leftovers last:
🧊 Store cooked turkey in shallow containers and refrigerate within 2 hours of your meal.
🍲 Enjoy within 3–4 days or freeze for longer storage.
🥪 Turkey sandwiches, soups, and casseroles make great next-day meals!
However you’re spending this Black Friday—shopping, resting, or reheating—take a moment to reflect on all there is to be thankful for. ❤️

11/27/2025

🧡🍂 Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Bailey Funeral Home 🍂🧡
Today, as families gather around the table, we pause to give thanks for the blessings in our lives — both past and present.
We know that for many, there’s an empty spot at the holiday table, one that’s filled with love, longing, and deep gratitude for all the precious years shared. 🕊️ Those memories continue to warm our hearts and remind us how love truly lasts beyond this life.
May your day be filled with gratitude, joy, and the warmth of loved ones — both near and in spirit.
Please note that our offices are closed today so that our staff may spend time with their families. We’ll reopen tomorrow to continue serving our community with care and compassion. 🧡

11/26/2025

To join the livestream of Melba's service, please select the link below. The service broadcast will commence at 12:55 P.M. Saturday, November 29, 2025 and will be archived for 90 days following the service for later...

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11/26/2025

🕊️✨ Pre-Order Angel Memorial Ornaments ✨🕊️
As we gather for Thanksgiving and enter the holiday season, we know many hearts are remembering someone special. We are now accepting pre-orders for our Angel Memorial Ornaments — $20 each, a meaningful way to honor loved ones during this season of reflection. 🤍
🗓️ Pre-order now and pick up your ornament at our
27th Annual Service of Remembrance & Open House
📍 Sunday, December 7th • 1–3 pm
Ornaments will also be available for pickup at the funeral home throughout the holiday season after December 7th for those unable to attend the event.
A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Angel Tree at Arrow Leaf, helping support individuals and families in our community this holiday season. 🎁💛
To reserve your ornament, please call us at 618-658-2311 or stop by the funeral home to place your pre-order.
Wishing you peace, gratitude, and gentle remembrance in the days ahead. 🕊️🌟
— Bailey Funeral Home

11/24/2025

🎄✨ Oh, How Time Flies! ✨🎄
As we prepare for our 27th Annual Service of Remembrance, we can’t help but reflect on how the years have flown by and how much we’ve grown together as a family and a community. 💞
This photo, taken 13 years ago, features Brian, Scott, and Steve — three dedicated gentlemen who have each played an important role in serving families with compassion, dignity, and care. Though time has passed, their commitment to the families we serve remains just as strong today. ❤️
At Bailey Funeral Home, we take pride in the legacy of service that continues year after year — honoring the lives of those we’ve lost and providing comfort to those who carry their memories forward. The Service of Remembrance is one of our most meaningful traditions, reminding us that while time may pass, love and remembrance endure. 🌹
💛 Here’s to honoring the past, embracing the present, and continuing to serve with the same devotion that has defined Bailey Funeral Home for generations.

📅 Sunday, December 7, 2025
📍 Bailey Funeral Home – Vienna, Illinois
🕐 Open House: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
🕯️ Service of Remembrance: Begins at 1:30 PM
💞 Honoring those we have served from November 1, 2024 – October 31, 2025
🕊️ Families and community members welcome
🌼 Keepsake in memory of each loved one
🎶 Special music and readings
🪦 Time of reflection and remembrance
☕ Light refreshments served
💬 Fellowship and holiday memorial display

11/23/2025

To join the livestream of Mrs. Choate's service, please select the link below. The livestream will commence at 10:55 A.M. Monday, December 1, 2025. The service broadcast will be archived for 90 days for later viewing.
https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc2NDAxNTU0OTM5MDExNSZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==

Myrtle Mae (Hight) Choate, age 101 ½ years, a resident of Vienna and a former resident of rural Grantsburg, Illinois, passed away Sunday morning, November 23, 2025, at 1:37 A.M. at the Hillview Senior Living and Rehabilitation in Vienna.

Myrtle was born March 17, 1924 at the family home in Johnson County. She was the daughter of William Hight and Rilla Mae (Griffitt) Hight.

On November 1, 1941, Myrtle was united in marriage to Norman S. Choate in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. He preceded her in death on March 24, 1993.

Myrtle is survived by: her children – Larry (Dianna) Choate of Grantsburg, Illinois, Karen Sue Choate of Anna, Illinois, Nancy (Jackie) Wright of St. Croix, Indiana, and Mary (John) Davidson of Alto Pass, Illinois; grandchildren – Don Choate, Jr., Aaron Choate, Josh Choate, Janna (Matt) Woodfall, Brianna (Daniel) Moore, Kasey (Derek) Mehling, and Abby Voss; 11 great grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; a daughter-in-law – Sandy Choate of Vienna; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, Myrtle was preceded by an infant son– Danny Lee Choate; sons - Donald Choate, and Terry Choate; an infant grandson – William Eric Choate; 2 sisters – Rosemary Hight and Louise Zolper; and 3 brothers – Walton Hight, William Hight, and Robert Hight.

Myrtle was a faithful and devoted homemaker. During World War II, Myrtle resided in Evansville, Indiana and worked in a factory to assist in the war effort. She had also worked as a clerk at Williams Dime Store and the Vienna Drug Store. For a time, Myrtle was employed by the Good Luck Glove Factory in Vienna. She also served for approximately two years as the custodian at the Grantsburg Grade School. Myrtle and Norman also operated the Farmer’s Café for a time, where Myrtle demonstrated her well-known cooking skills. In later years, she provided babysitting and child care in her home. Myrtle served as a Johnson County election judge for many years.

Myrtle is fondly remembered for the love and spirit of sacrifice she demonstrated to her family. She had a tireless work ethic and, along with her husband Norman, raised a large vegetable garden. They gave away produce to family, friends and neighbors. Myrtle took great pride in canning and preserving the bounty from their garden. She was also a skilled seamstress. Myrtle was self-taught in many areas, including knitting, crochet, arts, crafts, and had taught herself to upholster furniture. Myrtle was also a master quilt maker, as evidenced by her beautiful work of art creations. She also enjoyed working in her yard, especially raising all types and varieties of flowers.

Myrtle enjoyed visiting with her family and friends. She was a member of the Red Hat Society as well as the Pond Community Ladies Club. She worshipped at the First Baptist Church in Vienna, where she had been a faithful volunteer in the annual Vacation Bible School programs and served on the kitchen committee.

She was such a treasure and always will be to those who knew and loved her.

A service honoring the life of Myrtle Mae Choate will be conducted Monday morning, December 1, 2025, at 11 A.M. at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Pastor Mark Staton, Pastor Matt Woodfall (Myrtle’s grandson-in-law) and Jackie Wright (Myrtle’s son-in-law) will officiate. A eulogy will be shared by Abby Voss (a granddaughter).

Interment will follow in the Vienna Fraternal Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Monday morning, December 1, 2025, from 9 A.M. until the funeral hour at 11 A.M.

Memorials may be made to the Heather Harper Treat Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 98, Vienna, Illinois 62995 or to the Vienna First Baptist Church (Food Pantry Ministry), P.O. Box 727, Vienna, Illinois 62995.

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11/21/2025

To join the livestream broadcast of Connie's funeral service, please select the link below. The livestream will commence at 10:55 A.M. Tuesday, November 25, 2025. The service will be archived for 90 days following the funeral service for later viewing. Please note... if you are unable to join the service remotely or if service is sporadic due to inadequate internet connection, please know that the service broadcast will be uploaded following the service and will be available for viewing beginning Tuesday afternoon. We apologize for any inconvenience.
https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc2Mzg0MDc3ODM4OTg5NiZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==

Eddie C. “Connie” Taylor, age 85 years, a resident of rural Vienna, Illinois, passed away peacefully Friday morning, November 21, 2025, at 8:39 A.M. at his home.

Connie, as he was known to family and friends, was born September 1, 1940 in Johnson County Illinois. He was the son of J. Ralph Taylor and Doris (Murphy) Taylor.

On August 19, 1961, Connie was united in marriage to Janice M. Hayden at the Vienna First United Methodist Church. She survives.

In addition to his wife, Connie is survived by: daughters – Tyra Jan (Sondra Wise) Taylor of Carterville, Illinois and Jamie Renee Stiles of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; a sister – Joyce (Jim) Gray of Vienna, Illinois; 2 brothers – Kenneth Taylor of Vienna, Illinois and Jim (June) Taylor of Mesa, Arizona; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends and neighbors.

In addition to his parents, Connie was preceded in death by: a son-in-law – Terry Stiles; a brother and sister-in-law – Carl & Bonnie Taylor; a sister and brother-in-law – Colleen & Arthur Lewis; and a sister-in-law – Norma Faye Taylor.

Connie was a 1958 graduate of Vienna High School. He was employed throughout his working career in the construction and carpentry trades. He worked along with Tom Anderson as well as Omer H. Taylor on countless construction projects. He assisted with the building phase of sections of Interstate 24, The Illinois Centre Mall in Marion, the construction of the Vienna Correctional Center, as well as additions and improvements to the Choate Mental Health Center in Anna. While employed by Taylor-Gray Construction, he assisted with a number of commercial and residential building projects throughout the region. For many years, Connie owned and maintained a number of residential properties in and around Vienna. Connie was a former member of the Carpenters Union.

Connie’s passion was the land and farming. Following the family’s return to Southern Illinois in 1966, after having resided in the Elgin area for employment, Connie began farming. While working full-time, he maintained a grain and livestock operation. Connie raised hogs but particularly enjoyed raising cattle. His COWS were his pride and joy. In 2007, the family was recognized by the Illinois Department of Agriculture with a Centennial Farm status. The 115 acre farm, was originally acquired in 1899 by Connie’s great-grandmother, Barbara A. Cummins, and has remained in the family’s ownership continuously. The farm has hosted many gatherings and for over 20 years was the site for annual family reunions. Connie enjoyed riding his 4-wheeler across his farm property, often accompanied by his beloved canine companions, Sadie and Alley.

Connie was a member of the Johnson County Farm Bureau. He had also served on the New Simpson Hill School Board and, until ill health prevented him from carrying out his responsibilities, he was the sexton of the Taylor Cemetery. This responsibility has been assumed by his wife, Janice, and brother, Kenneth.

Connie was a faithful member and former trustee of Taylor United Methodist Church.

Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday morning, November 25, 2025, at 11 A.M. at Taylor Church, 5760 U.S. Highway 45 North, Vienna, Illinois. Pastor Bill Schell will officiate.

Interment will be in the Taylor Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Monday, November 24, 2025, from 5 P.M. until 8 P.M. at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. There will also be a time of visitation Tuesday morning, November 25, 2025, from 10 A.M. until the funeral hour at 11 A.M. at Taylor Church.

Memorials may be made to the Taylor Cemetery, and mailed in care of Bailey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 695, Vienna, Illinois 62995. Donation envelopes will be available at the funeral home and church.

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11/21/2025

🎄🍪 Happy National Gingerbread Cookie Day! 🍪🎄
There’s something truly special about the smell of freshly baked gingerbread filling the air — a warm reminder of togetherness, tradition, and the simple joys of the season. 💞
Whether you’re baking a batch with your grandchildren, decorating little gingerbread people, or building a cozy cookie cottage, today is the perfect day to share laughter, memories, and maybe even a bit of frosting!
At Bailey Funeral Home, we’re reminded that these small, heartfelt moments with family are what truly make life sweet. ❤️
✨ Wishing you a day filled with love, laughter, and just the right amount of spice! ✨

11/19/2025

💡 Did You Know? 💡
Nearly 76.2% of funeral homes are family- or privately owned—and we’re proud to be part of that number. ❤️
At Bailey Funeral Home, our family takes pride in serving yours with care, compassion, and professionalism. Being locally and family-owned means every decision we make is guided by heart, not by corporate policy. Our goal has always been to serve our community as neighbors—offering comfort, guidance, and a helping hand when it’s needed most.
Because for us, it’s not just a profession—it’s a calling. 🕊️

11/17/2025

National Survivors of Su***de Loss Day
💐 Honoring Life – Celebrating a Life Well Lived 💐

Honoring a life isn’t just about the past—it’s about cherishing the love 💞, the memories 📸, and the relationships 🤝 that continue to live on in our hearts. Each smile 😊, every shared moment 🌟, and the bonds we’ve built along the way become part of a beautiful story worth celebrating.

At Bailey Funeral Home, we believe that every life is unique 🌿—and every tribute should reflect that uniqueness. A meaningful service is more than a ceremony 🕊️… it’s an opportunity to gather together 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦, share stories 🗣️, and affirm the love ❤️ that never fades.

These special moments of remembrance bring comfort 🤍, encourage healing ✨, and remind us that even in loss, love continues to shine through 🌅.

Whether through music 🎶, photos 📷, flowers 🌸, or cherished traditions 🕯️, we help families create tributes that honor not only the past but also the love that carries forward into the future.

✨ Bailey Funeral Home — Celebrating Life, Healing Hearts ✨