Dortha Ruth Bailey, 95, of Mannington and lately Buckhannon, departed this life in the company of angels, Monday, May 7th, 2012 in route to her new home in Heaven. She was born December 13th, 1916 at Katys Lick in Harrison County, the daughter of the late Ellsworth and Eva Lee Gains Fittro. She married Roy "Jack" Bailey, July 12, 1941 at Grafton WV.
Ruth is survived by and will be dearly missed by her family, including two sons, Jack Brian, of Keyport WA, Rodney Lee and wife Connie of Buckhannon, two grandchildren, Brian Scott Bailey of Seabeck WA, Heather Lee King and husband Kevin of Mannington, and four great-grandchildren, Colin James and Alex Brian Bailey of Silverdale WA, Shelby Brooke and Justin Patrick King of Mannington. In addition, she is survived by a niece, Judy Kay Kennel of Morgantown, and a nephew, David Neal Fittro of Clarksburg.
In addition to her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, a sister, Opal Irene Fittro of Oak Hill, three brothers, Orace Lee (infant), Gerald Woodrow of Charleston, Ellsworth Glenn of Quiet Dell, and a grandson, James Lee Bailey of Lynnwood WA.
Ruth graduated from Sardis High School then attended Fairmont State, Salem College, and West Virginia University. Coming from a family of teachers, she too was a dedicated teacher, serving in Harrison, Taylor, and Marion Counties. She taught at Hepzebah, Wallace, Bristol, the W. Va. Industrial School for Boys, First Ward (Grafton), Idamay, Carolina, Rymer, Flat Run and Mannington Elementary. She retired in 1981, but continued as a substitute teacher until 1987. With the closing of the Flat Run School, she became the last one room school teacher in Marion County.
Ruth was very active in the community. Her associations included The American Legion Auxiliary, Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority of Teachers, Mannington Garden Club and the Mannington Woman's Club, serving as president twice, 1957-59 and 1992-94. She was a 60 year member of The First United Methodist Church of Mannington where she participated in many activities such as Sunday School teacher and United Methodist Women. As a member of the West Augusta Historical Society, she was a museum tour guide and wrote two historically based plays about the history of Mannington including "Mannington, Now and Then" which was performed as a part of the Mannington High School Centennial. She loved art and engaged in many forms of art work, often sharing her work with her friends, including quilting for which she won several awards. She also loved playing bridge and taught many groups.
Of all her awards and achievements, she considered the most precious those bestowed upon her by her former students as "favorite teacher".
Friends may call at the Masters Funeral Home, 209 Main Street, Mannington, WV on Thursday, May 10, 2012 2-4:00 P.M. and 6-8:00 P.M. Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 11, 2012 at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Mark Osborne officiating. Burial will follow at the Bridgeport Cemetery. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mastersfuneralhomewv.com.
Condolences
Mrs. Baily was one of my favorite teachers and a blessing as a neighbor. My thoughts are with you at this time of loss.
Jack & Rodney,
Thinking of both of you at this time of your loss. I don't remember much about your mother, but I do know she was grand lady and loved both of you dearly. Keep those good memories of your mother close.
Love,
Colleen
I am truly sorry for your loss. Jack, you know Linda and I have a lot going on in our lives right now, It isn't possible for us to attend the funeral. May God grant you piece in your time of sorrow.
Robert & Linda
Our deepest condolences. She had an active and full life. Her family is surely very proud. Now she can rest in peace.
Jack and Rodney,
Margaret Davis, Dick's mother, and I send condolences on the passing of your mother. Margaret and Ruth were friends for many years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Margaret and Linda Davis
I lost my Mother a little over a year ago.It is tough to loose someone you have known for such a long time.
Your Mother was a teacher like my Mother and taught during the same years.
I know she loved her "Favorite Teacher" Award from the students and like my Mother seeing them grow up.
No doubt she will be a teacher in Heaven with my Mother.
So sorry to hear of your Mother passing.
Jack, Rodney and family. My deepest sympathy on the passing of your mother. I am sorry I was unable to make it for the visitation, but know that all of you have been in my thoughts these last few days. She was a most beautiful and caring person and will be missed by the community as a whole. As I tell my grandson, they will always be with you in your thoughts and in your heart.
Love to all,
Rose Dunigan
Jack & Rodney
So sorry to hear about your mother, we would like to kept them forever but know we can't. I would have loved to attend, but could not. My thoughts are with you.
Steve & Linda Gawthrop
To Jack and Rodney Bailey and Families;
My Condolences Are Sent With Heartfelt Sympathy! Your mother, Ruth, Was My 6th Grade Teacher and Perhaps The Best Teacher I Ever Had! I Will Always Remember Her Asking Which Is Correct? Tomato Or Tomoto!, Window Or Winder? Her Journey Was Long and So Even More People Had The Chance To Enjoy Her! I Still Think Of Her Often! Best Wishes!
I am sorry for your loss and may God grant you peace in the knowledge that Ruth is in Heaven with her family and our Heavenly Father. She is the sister to my grandfather Glen whom I took care of until he was called home. I also knew their parents who were both Angels on Earth! I am sorry that I was unaware of her passing. God Bless you all.
A truly beautiful person inside and out. She will be missed even by those of us who are far away.