Ila L. Bailey, age 95 of Big Rapids formerly of Dowagiac, passed away Monday, December 4, 2017 at Altercare of Big Rapids. She was born April 30, 1922 in Streator, Illinois, the daughter of Amos and Mary (Gross) Smith. Ila was honorably discharged from the United States Army serving as a Corporal during World War II. She was a member of the Third Avenue United Methodist Church in Big Rapids and the DAV Big Rapids Michigan Chapter 18. Ilas family will remember and miss her good cooking. She is survived by her son, Kent W. Bailey of Wisconsin; son-in-law, Edward Holt of Big Rapids; six grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Ila was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Walter Bailey Jr., daughter, Susan Holt, brother, Dean and two sisters, Helen and Phyllis. The family will greet friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, December 7, 2017 at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Military graveside services will take place 1:00 p.m. Monday, December 11, 2017 at Riverside Cemetery in Dowagiac under the auspices of the V.F.W. Post 1855 of Dowagiac. Memorial contributions may be made in Ilas name to DAV Big Rapids Michigan Chapter 18. Share a memory or leave a condolence for the family by clicking the guestbook tab at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com Visitation Thursday, December 7, 2017 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home 13985 Northland Drive Big Rapids,MI 49307