Delores R. Bailiff, daughter of the late Herman Russell and Blanche Coley Russell, was born December 21, 1930 and departed this life November 4, 2022, at Southeast Health of Stoddard County, in Dexter, Missouri, at the age of 91 years.

Mrs. Bailiff was a former educator in the Dexter Public School system for a number of years. She was a member of La Croix Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau for the past 5 years. Prior to relocating in Cape Girardeau, she was an active member in First Baptist Church in Dexter for over 50 years where she served in numerous capacities. Most notably was her commitment as a Sunday School teacher for around 25 years in two local nursing facilities. Her commitment in this area was unparalleled as was her faith, obedience, and service to God. She never missed an opportunity to witness and share her love for Jesus Christ with anyone she met.

She was active in numerous civic, public, and religious organizations. She was a long serving member of the school board. She looked forward to attending the local sporting events. She loved the Bearcats.

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was "Granny Bailiff" to many people. Nothing pleased her more than spending time with her family. She truly "lit up" every time she got to see her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

On June 21, 1953, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, she was united in marriage to John William “Bill” Bailiff. Mr. Bailiff preceded her in death on June 17, 1995.

She is survived by her daughter, Rebecca Bailiff of Cape Girardeau, Missouri; by two sons, Doug Bailiff and wife Linda of Cape Girardeau, Missouri; and John Bailiff and wife Tammy of Van Buren, Missouri; and by six grandchildren, Erin Vosbrink (Jared Beard), Kayla Martin (Patrick), Charles Vosbrink, Amanda Willingham, Erica Bailiff, and Brittany Taylor (Lance); and by eight great-grandchildren.

Other than by her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, John Coley Russell.

Visitation will be held at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.

Funeral services will then be conducted in the Mathis Funeral Home Chapel on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, at 12:00 p.m. Interment will follow in the Dexter Cemetery.

Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.