Ellen Louise Bailey

Ellen Louise Bailey was born on April 14th 1958 in Klamath Falls, OR to George and Leona Andrieu. Growing up at first in Klamath Falls and then moving out to the ranch outside of Midland for her teenage years, she was the closest thing her dad had to a son, not afraid to try out anything. A surprise addition to the family, her two sisters were ten and thirteen years older, so she grew up especially close to her near-aged cousins, happily running amok with them as “additional siblings.” Many of her happiest memories growing up were going to visit her mom's siblings. Family always played a huge part in her life. Throughout her life, she always craved connections with family, not just warmly welcoming anyone who came to visit, but proactively reaching out to cultivate relationships and make time to let them know how important they were to her. To her, Family was not just bloodlines, but extended to inlaws, adoptees, Foreign Exchange Students, Faire Family and beyond. Ellen spent twelve years of school at Sacred Heart Academy, the Catholic school in Klamath Falls. They gave her a strong education in the Catholic faith, but also taught her to be considerate to other religions and understanding of the challenges people have in their lives. Her mother emphasized the importance of her education, putting in the effort to drive her every day to take her to the better school. After high school, she received a scholarship to attend Linfield College in McMinnville, OR, selecting it because it was all the way across the state. Always fiercely independent, she selected the school on her own, and her parents never saw the campus until the spring after she had started. She also floored her aunt and uncle, driving herself down past the Bay area for a visit at their house in Soquel, CA during the summer between high school and college. On her first day at Linfield, Ellen first saw William Bailey, a bushy, slightly scary “City” boy, kissing another Ellen, who would become her close friend. Several days later, after a backpacking orientation trip, she was introduced to him. She gained her lifelong nickname of Elf to help differentiate between Ellens, but it also suited her impish streak. Bill started one year ahead of her at Linfield but, attending year-round, she had the tenacity to finish her schooling in three years so she could stick with him and move on when he did. They married on August 30th, 1980 at Marylhurst, OR, between Bill’s first and second year in medical school in Portland. Ellen did various jobs, delivering flowers and working at a biological supply company, pinning butterflies, packing insects, reptiles and other biologic specimens. Bill and Ellen moved to Bakersfield for three years, and, while Bill completed his residency, Ellen had their two children. At the end of his residency, after a search across the Pacific Northwest, they decided to settle down “for the long haul” in Newberg, OR. In addition to raising their kids, doing her best to foster a curiosity for the world and a sense that they could accomplish anything, Ellen helped out at school, and in the office, served as Bill's office manager. She always did her best to do whatever was needed to support the people she loved. While Bill was always active in the community with many different projects, she was the force behind, supporting him and making it all possible. When Bill's father needed help, she served as his caregiver. When her father became ill, she was there to help, and when her mother was in a nursing home, she was there every day for breakfast. This spirit of support was very important to her and was a major gift she passed down to both her children. Whenever anything became difficult, she would add a humorous twist to make it just a little easier, never taking herself too seriously. Throughout her life, Ellen's motto was to never be limited by reality. Whatever puzzles struck her fancy, she would aim to reach beyond a basic understanding and think them through, for days or even years, searching for novel solutions. A truly creative soul, she loved coming up with anything unique, and fabric was always a favorite medium. She designed her own quilt patterns, gifting one-of-a-kind quilts across her family and friends, but she didn't stop there, crafting such unique pieces as an elephant costume for a minivan, sail-like shade coverings for a Renaissance faire, a tent cover for an outhouse and a Halloween costume that was half-cat and half-octopus. She liked to say that she thought the way a butterfly flies. She didn't always take the most direct route, but she'd get to where she wanted to be, however many bobs and curlicues later. After a several year battle with pancreatic cancer, Ellen's last goal was to hang on long enough to meet her first grandchild, and she was delighted to get the chance to cuddle her beautiful new granddaughter before she passed. On June 16th, 2020, Ellen passed away peacefully at home. She is survived by husband William, both of her children - Victoria (Steve) Keiser and Steven (Sarah) Bailey, her granddaughter Thea Belle, and both of her sisters, Mary and Paula. She is preceded in death by her parents, George and Leona. In consideration for the world health situation, her Memorial will be postponed until travel and celebration are more advisable. In lieu of flowers, please consider planting a tree or giving to OPB, which Ellen supported and spent hours enjoying a wide variety of TV and radio programs.

Ellen Louise Bailey

April 14, 1958 - June 16, 2020