Kathleen Bailey-Duke, known to family and friends as Tootie, was born to Robert and Clara Bailey on January 13, 1935 in San Antonio, Texas.
She was the middle of three children. After graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School in San Antonio in 1952, Kathleen married Joe Duke and moved to San Diego, California where they raised all three of their children and remained until retirement. At that time, she moved to Webb City, Missouri where she lived until she went home. Kathleen had a love for cultivating beautiful gardens, creating art, and making porcelain dolls.
She had an eye for making the mundane beautiful. The most important thing in her life was her love for Jesus. She frequently gave her free time to help those that needed rides or volunteering at church.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Bryan; daughter, Kari; and son, Larry. Kathleen is survived by her sister, Edna Lou; one daughter, Jackie Young and her husband Doug of Webb City Missouri; six grandchildren, Evan, Danielle, Tiffany, Jeremiah, Rachel, and Cody; and fourteen great-grandchildren.
As Kathleen knew she was going home to be with Jesus, she did not want a funeral or sadness, but instead wanted a time of celebration. Details for Kathleen’s celebration of life party will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park Crematory of Joplin, Mo.