Celebration of Life visitation for Harriet Bailey, 74, who passed away Wednesday, September 1, 2021, will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, September 6, 2021 at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola. Cremation will follow visitation and inurnment will be held next summer.

Harriet graduated from Indianola High School in 1965, after graduation Harriet attended Northern Iowa University for two years and then transferred to Drake University where she earned her degree in Education. Harriet served as a substitute teacher and tutor for both adults and children, touching the lives of many individuals who benefited from her knowledge and kindness.

Harriet worked for Drake University for 30 years, after retiring from Drake University, Harriet worked for Nationwide Insurance for 10 years. After leaving Nationwide Insurance, Harriet would go on to enjoy her retirement by gardening, knitting, crafting, and spending time with family and friends.

Harriet was very active in her community and church, helping start a prayer shawl ministry at Grace United Methodist Church where she also sang in the choir and rang the bells. Harriet was a member of the Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO), United Methodist Women (UMW), and Grace Ladies Group.

In her spare time, Harriet loved to play the piano, sing, play dominos, cribbage, and scrabble. Harriet was an avid fan of American Bandstand and enjoyed singing along with her sister Charlotte. Harriet was an avid collector of all things Giraffe, jewelry, and pictures/paintings.

She is survived by her son, Christopher (Anna) Bailey; grandchildren, Heidi, Damon, Marcus; siblings, Ken (Shelly) Houghtaling, Charlotte (Richard) Rodgers; nieces and nephews, Heather (Jay), Scott (Kim), Sarah (Carl), Jason (Michelle); and many other family. She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Barbara Houghtaling; Aunt Helen and Uncle Charles Knox, Uncle John Pickup Jr.

Memorials may be given to the Prayer Shawl group at Grace United Methodist Church, 3700 Cottage Grove Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311.