Address
Locke on 4th
1519 W 4th St.
Waterloo, IA 50702
Donna Bailey, 86, of Evansdale, died Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at her home surrounded by family under Cedar Valley Hospice care. She was born December 16, 1939, in La Porte City, daughter of Carlyle and Gladys (Purdy) Caldwell.
Donna married James “Jim” Bailey on July 21, 1959, in Hudson. Together they raised seven children. He preceded her in death on December 29, 1999. She worked in environmental services at Covenant Hospital for 31 years, retiring in 2005.
Her hobbies included cross stitching, coloring and puzzles, but her passion was playing with her grandkids, not just watching them play but joining in the fun. She was known to be always smiling, although there is still a special wooden spoon in the kitchen for her children. She was known as mom to many, not just her own kids, she would take anyone in who needed her. Donna had a feisty side too, and learned from Jim how to drive a semi, including backing. She also loved dancing and holidays, especially dressing up for Halloween.
Donna is survived by her children: James Bailey of New Hampton, Duane Bailey and Daniel Bailey of Evansdale, Ronald Bailey of Cedar Falls, Jackie (Steven) Holtmeyer of Evansdale, Randy (SuAnn) Bailey of Waterloo, and Norma (Henry) Holtmeyer of Dysart, 9 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, ex daughter-in-law Tina Bailey, and brother Judd Caldwell of Tucson, Az.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim, daughter Cynthia Ann in infancy, four brothers and two sisters.
Family will receive friends from 4:00 – 7:00 Thursday, May 28, at Locke on 4th, 1519 West 4th Street. The funeral will be held at 11:00 on Friday, May 29, at Locke on 4th, with burial following at Garden of Memories cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Cedar Valley Hospice.
Visitation
May 28, 2026
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Locke on 4th
1519 West 4th St., Waterloo, IA
Funeral Service
May 29, 2026
11:00 am – 11:30 am
Locke on 4th
1519 West 4th St., Waterloo, IA
My Deepest Sympathy to the Entire family of Donna. Prayers & Thoughts are with you durimg this difficult time of loss. RIP Donna!
Condolences to the entire family of “Grandma Bailey” as we all knew her as. Thinking of you all in this time of need and prayers to all.
Losing a mom/grandma is hard and my heart is sad for all of you. I hope you all find peace and comfort in your own ways. Love you, Aunt Donna!
So sorry for your loss ! Hugs and prayers to you all!
My sincere prayers of condolences to the Bailey Family. May God comfort and console each of you with His loving care and may the priceless and precious memories of Donna bring a smile to your face and joy to your heart.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. She was a special person a good sister to mom. A loving mother. You will be missed Aunt Donna.
My deepest sympathy to the entire Bailey family. I never got to meet Donna but James told me a lot about her. Wish I could have met her. Thoughts and prayers 🙏 from New Hampton.
TO NORMA, and the rest of Bailey family, so sorry to hear of your mom passing. I remember all the good times, spent at the whole Bailey house, and yes , she certainly had a feisty side to her, and I have seen the spoon in the kitchen. She was a great lady and sometimes when I stayed over, I was like another one of her kids! So sorry I will not make it to her service or visitation, my mom will be going to one or the other. She lived a long life. Your friend.