ELKHART — Dorothy Ellen (Alwine) Bailey, 88, of Elkhart, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2017, at East Lake Nursing & Rehabilitation Center after a battle with Alzheimer's.

Dorothy was born Oct. 29, 1929, in Elkhart, to Clarence and Lucile (Johnson) Alwine.

She married Robert E. Bailey on June 10, 1956. Bob died March 26, 1996.

Surviving are her children, daughter Janet Chaffee, sons, Rodney (Julie) Bailey and Scott Bailey; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; sisters Maxine Kryder, Wanetta Yoder and Rosemary Lands; and brothers Alvin Alwine, Everett Alwine and Gayle Alwine.

Dorothy was a homemaker; she grew up in Elkhart, and moved to Scottsboro, Alabama, where she lived for 25 years until moving back to this area in 1997.

She lived and enjoyed a simple life, appreciating nature, sitting on her porch and spending time with her family.

Services celebrating her life will begin at 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 18, at Riverview General Baptist Church, 1201 E. Indiana Ave., Elkhart.

Pastor Rick Pirtle will officiate.

Visitation will start at 4 p.m. at the church.

Cremation will follow, with burial at a later date in Prairie Street Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the care of Billings Funeral Home, Elkhart.