Tillie D. Bailey, 79, of Hiawatha, died Thursday, March 5, 2015, at Menorah Medical Center at Overland Park, Kansas

Tillie was born in Hiawatha, June 4, 1935, one of seven children of Charles and Maude Mink Burnett.  She grew up at Hiawatha where she attended schools, graduating high school with the class of 1954.

Tillie was a longtime member of the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Hiawatha.  During her 67 year  membership, she served as chairperson of the Worship and Membership committees and chairperson of the deaconesses.  She also served as chairperson of the Memorial fund and was a Diaconate at the time of her passing.  She will be greatly missed by her Church family.

Tillie was employed by the City of Hiawatha as the meter maid for many years.  After that, she was the head dispatcher for several years.  From there she took the job of the Office Assistant with the Hiawatha Police Department where she was fondly referred to as “Deputy Dog”.  Tillie retired from full time employment with them in 1998 to then take on part-time duties in the same position, for another twelve years.  Prior to her employment as the city meter maid, she worked at the Candy Stripe Drive-in, and W&W Shoe Store.

Tillie married William “Bill” Bailey at the First Christian Church, May 19, 1967.  They made their home in Hiawatha and lived there during their 47 years of marriage.  The day that Tillie married Bill was a day that brought great joy to many for on that day he became not only Tillie’s husband, but also a loving father  to her four children.

Survivors include her husband Bill of the home; and their children:  Cynthia (JR) Smith of  Ord, Nebraska,  Earl (Fiance’ Jenny) of Hiawatha, Linda (Brian) Tritsch of Topeka, Deana (Scott) Winchester of Kansas City, MO.  Tillie is the grandmother of nine and great-grandma of ten.  She is also survived by two sisters:  Helen (Toby) Melster of Hiawatha, Donna (Eddie) Bowers of Junction City; and a brother Paul (Shirley) Burnett of Topeka.

She was preceded in death by her parents her parents; an infant sister Patricia, a brother and his wife Vernon and Mary Burnett, a sister Vivian Regan and husband Wally; two sisters in law Fran Bailey, wife of Dean, Carol Bailey, wife of Bob.

A Celebration of Tillie’s life is planned for 11 a.m. Monday, March 9, at the First Christian Church in Hiawatha, with Reverend Dennis Alan Fullbright officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha.

Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home after 10 a.m. Sunday, where the family will meet from 4 until 6 that afternoon.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Church Memorial Fund which may be sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., 66434.

A special message may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com