Carol Bailey, affectionately known as "Catholic Carol," grew up with her six siblings on a farm outside of Williamsburg, IA. While in school, she managed to be a class officer, play the Bari Sax in the marching band, and win a state championship in the 4x400 relay all while completing chores on the farm.

From there she traveled down I-80 to finish her education at American Institute of Business and adopted Des Moines as her new home. Making friends wherever she went, she would often reminisce about her "single days" playing slow pitch softball, riding RAGBRAI, and hanging out at Jimmy's American Café. Unbeknownst to her, she was spotted at the bar by an introverted Dan. Luckily, a mutual friend set them up on a blind date and within a few months they were engaged on the shore of Lake Superior.  Later that year, they married at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Williamsburg, IA in 1987.

With the turkey in the oven, Joe was born on Thanksgiving 1988 and a few years later, Katie came in January 1992. Carol loved her kids very much which was seen in her Rudy speeches to Joe on the mornings of his football games and the thousands of miles she put on her Explorer along with a few speeding tickets driving Katie to softball and volleyball tournaments.

The most inspirational aspect of Carol's life was her commitment to her faith and how she shared it with others. She taught religious education classes for decades between Des Moines and Indianola making sure her students knew St. Michael's prayer. She also was active in STARS and helped found Coffee with Jesus at St. Thomas Aquinas.

She'll be remembered for the joy she brought to each occasion, her sense of humor even if we had no clue what SNL skit she was quoting, and her ability to make everyone feel special.

A Funeral Mass for Carol Anne Bailey, 68, of Indianola, who passed away Monday, July 29, 2024 in Des Moines, will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, August 2, 2024 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Indianola with burial following in the Indianola I.O.O.F. Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Carol is survived by her husband Dan Bailey; children Joe (Sydney Nieder) Bailey and Katie Bailey; mother, Henrietta Malloy; siblings, Dave (Karin) Malloy, Mike (Jan) Malloy, Jane Woodside, Phil Malloy, Marty (Mary) Malloy and Matt (Melinda) Malloy; and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her father, John Malloy.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Thursday, August 1, 2024 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, with a Rosary to be recited at 7 p.m., followed by a time for friends to share stories of Carol.  Memorials, in memory of Carol, may be given to St. Thomas Aquinas Religious Education Department.