Barbara (Bobbie) (Swanson) Bailey age 89, passed away on July 15, 2022, at Country Terrace Care Partners in Spooner where she spent her declining years.

Bobbie was born at home on the farm in Beaver Brook to Linda and Edward Rydberg on October 13, 1932.

She attended Lone Pine School, Shell Lake School and graduated from Spooner School in 1950. She graduated from Hamlin Nursing School and practiced Nursing for 44 years locally at Indianhead Medical Center, Terrace View Living Center and in Arizona until retirement.

Growing up Bobbie was a member of Excella 4-H Club and the first Outstanding 4-H Girl of Washburn County. Through the years Bobbie was a Sweet Adeline member. She became an active Lioness in 1981 and rose to the President of the Sun City Midweek Lions Club in Arizona. Bobbie has been a crafter, weaver, knitter, an avid reader, and gardener. She loved to sing and dance and was always involved in social activities. Bobbie was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church and sang in the church choir for years. She was a Steven’s lay counselor.

Bobbie was married in 1953 to Charles (Charlie) Swanson for 27 years and raised four daughters on the farm in Beaver Brook and later in the Shell Lake area. After Charlie’s death she married James Bailey in 1981 and moved to Arizona until his death 27 years later. She then moved back to Shell Lake to spend her remaining years near family and friends.

Bobbie was preceded in death by her parents, Linda and Edward Rydberg, her brothers: Norm and sister-in-law Ruth Rydberg, Glen and sister-in-law Flora Rydberg; Sisters Eleanor Johnston, Doris and brother-in-law Art Wegner, Hazel Rydberg and by her late husbands; Charles Swanson (1980) and James Bailey (2007).

Bobbie is survived by her four daughters: Jerri (Brad) Pederson, Shell Lake; Jan Swanson, Eau Claire; Joan (Tom) Johnson, Clovis New Mexico; Jill (Kevin) White, McGregor Mn; nine grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren and many relatives.

Bobbie is remembered for her sense of humor, her passion for nursing, her hard work ethic and belief that she could do anything she put her mind to. She passes that on............

A private family graveside service will take place later this summer at the Shell Lake Cemetary

Last Update: Jul 19, 2022 1:17 pm CDT