With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Dorothy Bailey of Columbus, OH.
What follows is a brief look at the life her family wishes to share.
A life is built quietly, day by day.
Dorothy Bailey, 95, passed away at home, surrounded by her family, on Monday, May 4, 2026, in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. She was born on May 7, 1930, to Rade and Anna Grgich. Dorothy graduated from Linden-McKinley High School in Columbus, Ohio, and on November 3, 1956, she married the love of her life, Howard L. Bailey, who preceded her in death. Dorothy was, above all else, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend. She lived her life in service to her family and her faith in God and Jesus. There was nothing she wouldn’t do for her family and those she loved. She was always ready to listen, offer guidance, or provide support in any way she could. She had a gift for making everyone feel welcome and was a mother to all- especially the friends her children brought home. Once you stepped into her house, you were family and she loved to cook. So, you were going to be fed and refusing wasn’t an option…and no one ever left without seconds, even if it was painful! Dorothy never met a stranger, particularly if a baby or small child was involved. She could talk to anyone for as long as they were willing, always fully present, always genuine. She meant every word she said, and never just “went through the motions”. She also cherished her card club family, a group she remained devoted to for more than 45 years, forming lifelong friendships that lasted until the very end. Preceded in death by: Her husband, Howard Bailey; parents, Rade and Anna Grgich; mother and father in-law, Frank and Pearl Bailey; sisters, Violet Bargdill, Sophia Grgich, and Mildred Hauck; brothers, Peter, Milton, George, and John Grgich; and great-grandson, Damian Bailey. Survived by: Daughters, Karen Huffman (Jim Young) and Susan Bailey; son, Howard H. Bailey (Cathy Alberts). Grandchildren: Valerie Nafzger (Bradley Lee), Melissa Bailey (Jon Ribbing), Ashlynn Bailey, Ava Bailey, Danielle Hess, and Allison Castle. Greatgrandchildren: Kaleb Ribbing, Jadyn Ribbing, Larrea Lee, and Ember Lee. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends who loved her dearly. Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Graumlich Funeral Home, 1351 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43207. Funeral service will take place on Friday, May 8, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., with Rev. Fr. Gotfried Mulisa officiating. Burial will follow at Glen Rest Memorial Estates in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. A reception will be held immediately afterward at the VFW on Waggoner Road in Reynoldsburg. Flowers are welcome but in lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Dorothy’s memory be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.orgTo sign Dorothy’s online guest book or leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.graumlichfuneralhome.com
