Julia Joan (pronounced JoAnn) Bailiff was born on September 23, 1925, in Winterset, Iowa, to Sylvester James and Aletha Ann (Leach) Bussanmas. She was the oldest of six children and their only daughter. Joan graduated from Ottumwa Heights Academy.

As a young lady, Joan fell in love at first sight with a handsome soldier that walked into the soda shop where she worked in Winterset. On April 17, 1949, she married that soldier, Lawrence (Larry) Bailiff, Sr., and they created a wonderful life together. She was a homemaker while raising their three children and after their children left home, she enjoyed working at Target for several years.

She loved her family very much and was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother! In addition to her nine grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren, Joan was "Grandma" to many others and had an extra special bond with her neighbors, Travis and Stephanie Christensen and their daughter, Kaitlin. With five younger brothers, she had many nieces and nephews and loved being Aunt Joan to all of them, along with their children and grandchildren. Her home was always open, and she loved it when visitors would pop-in for a chat. She was a good listener, full of great advice, and a treasure trove of stories from the past.

Joan was very creative and had many talents. She made lots of homemade mints and cakes for weddings, birthdays, and other special events and was often sewing and crocheting. Her home was decorated with the various items she had made, and it was always a special treat to receive a gift she made especially for you. After retirement Joan became an avid quilter, making more quilts than she could count and always giving them away to family, friends, and local causes. In addition to giving away her creations, she was also a very patient teacher who was eager to pass on her knowledge and skills to anyone wanting to learn.

Joan was able to live on her own right up until her passing. She was a member of the Churchville Altar & Rosary Society and enjoyed her sewing group. In her last years, she loved to welcome visitors, sit in her chair watching the birds outside, tend to her many plants, and take care of her cat, Bella; however, she was most often found in her sewing room listening to music and sewing away.

In her last weeks, Joan was surrounded by family and passed peacefully on August 19, 2022, at Mercy Hospice in Johnston.

She is survived by her children, Larry Jr. (Pam) Bailiff and Jim (Barb) Bailiff; son-in-law, JC Mason; grandchildren, Tammy (Brad) Woodhouse, Chris (Bob) Riggs, Jeri (Eugene) Hunt, Chad (Kendra) Bailiff, Angie (Bill) Julander, Heather Staebell, Elizabeth (Hogan) Metzger, Jake (Sarah) Bailiff, Luke (Angie) Bailiff; 22 great-grandchildren; dear friends Travis, Stephanie, and Kaitlin Christensen; and many loving friends and family.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Larry Bailiff, Sr.; parents, SJ and Aletha Bussanmas; daughter Stephanie Mason; and brothers, Jim, Phil, and Jack Bussanmas.

A visitation will be held at St. John the Apostle Church, Norwalk, on Thursday, August 25, from 4pm – 8pm with a Rosary at 7:30pm. Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 26, at 10am at Assumption Parish, Churchville, with burial following in Calvary Cemetery, Churchville, and a luncheon at the Churchville Hall.  Memorials may be sent to the Churchville Altar & Rosary Society.