Robert Bailey

Robert R. Bailey, 72, of St. Joseph, MI, formerly of Lansing, MI, passed away Monday, March 14, 2011 at his home. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, March 16, 2011 at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, in St. Joseph, with Fr. Alphonse officiating. Graveside services will be held at 3:00 P.M. Wednesday at East Lawn Memory Gardens, Okemos, MI. Friends may call from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Tuesday at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, in St. Joseph. A Native Ceremonial Prayer will be held at 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Hospice at Home. Those wishing to sign Robert's Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. He was born June 23, 1938 in Peshawbestown, MI, to Raymond & Josephine Bailey. He graduated from Sutton's Bay High School in 1957. He earned a B.S. and an M.A. from Michigan State. In 1965, he married Sally Ferris. Robert began his career as a teacher at West Junior High School in Lansing. In 1972, he was hired as the first Director of Native American Programs at Northern Michigan University. In 1979 he was hired as an Education Consultant by the State of Michigan, retiring in 1997. Robert was a member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians. He and Sally attended St. Joseph Catholic Church. He was an avid fan of MSU Basketball and in his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf and playing the piano. Robert is survived by his wife Sally; two sons: Brian (Amy) Bailey of St. Joseph, MI, Brent (Eileen) Bailey of Corona, CA; two grandchildren: Jessica & Parker; three brothers: Rudolph (Laura) Bailey, Richard (Elaine) Bailey, and Greg Bailey, all of Peshawbestown; two sisters: Ruth (John) Bussey of Manistee, MI and Carol (Gary) Varda of Norway, MI; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; and a very special friend, Jeanne Stewart of Lansing.