Shirley Ann Bailey

Shirley Ann Bailey, 77, Benson, Minn., died Monday, September 25, in Rice Memorial Hospital. Visitation will be from 5 - 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 27, at the St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Benson. Visitation will continue from 12:30 - 1:30 p.m., followed by the funeral at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, September 28, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Benson. Interment will be in Benson City Cemetery.


Shirley Ann Bailey was born May 9, 1940, in Big Bend, Minnesota, the daughter of Alfred and Mabel (Anderson) Hoberg. She grew up in the Benson area and was confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church. She graduated from Benson High School and LPN nurse training. On March 8, 1958, Shirley was united in marriage to James Bailey. This union was blessed with 21 years of marriage, eight children, 33 grandchildren, and 31 great-grandchildren. Shirley loved raising her family. She became an LPN after her family was grown and truly enjoyed helping others. In her free time, she liked going and meeting new people at the casino, baking, gardening and canning, and farm work. Above all, she loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was called from this life on Monday, September 25, 2017, at Rice Memorial Hospital. She attained 77 years, 4 months and 16 days of age.

Shirley is survived by her 8 children: Sharon (Daniel) Fridgen of Benson, Sandy (Jack Lokken) Muehlbauer of Benson, Jim (Tracy) Bailey of Hibbing, Jeff (Sue) Bailey of Boyd, Sally Peterson of Benson, Jerry (Vicky) Bailey of Benson, Jason Bailey of Benson, and Joel (Beverly) Bailey of Benson; 33 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; 4 brothers: Albert (Monnie) Hoberg of Washington, Ray (Dorothy) Hoberg of Hancock, Donald (Virginia) Hoberg of Morris, and Floyd (Bonnie) Hoberg of Hancock; sister-in-law, Margie Hoberg of Ortonville; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by James Bailey in July of 1997; her parents, Alfred and Mabel Hoberg; an infant daughter; 3 brothers: Kenny, Harry, and Elmer Hoberg; and 3 sisters: Evelyn Hoberg, Marian Bennett, and Beatrice Ascheman.