Wilma E. (Blewett) Bailey, age 85, of Pierre, formerly of Raymond, died November 29, 2025. A graveside service will be held in the spring of 2026 at Rose Hill Cemetery of rural Clark. A service is currently planned for Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Furness Funeral Home.

Obituary for Wilma Eleanor Blewett

Wilma Eleanor Blewett was born on December 6th, 1939 to Ruth Fay (Drexler) Blewett and William Flloyd Blewett on a farm northwest of Raymond, SD. She went to meet the lord, her maker, on November 29th, 2025.Wilma’s education started in a country school. She later graduated from Raymond Public School. While in a communication course in Omaha, NE, a representative from Western Union offered her a job in Los Angeles, CA. So at just 18 years old, she took a bus to L.A. While working at Western Union, she met her husband, Bruce Bailey. After a 13-year courtship, they were married for 48 years, sharing over six decades together. The church was a large part of Bruce and Wilma’s life. They also enjoyed taking cruises with friends, and even visited the Panama Canal twice. Wilma loved her flower garden. Her pride and joy were her rose bushes. She had multiple types and colors, her favorite being yellow. Wilma had a passion for reading books, she especially enjoyed romance novels. Wilma collected deer and angel figurines. Once, when a young man was visiting, he counted over 100. Wilma is survived by her sister, Theoda Blewett (Robert Hicks), and several cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Bruce, her in-laws, Harvey and Clara, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Obituary for Bruce Delmar Bailey

Bruce Delmar Bailey was born on December 13th, 1934 and passed away on October 12th, 2020. Bruce was the only child to his parents, Harvey and Clara (Delmar) Bailey. Born in Chicago, at eight years old, and due to health issues, his parents were advised to move their son to warmer weather, so off to Los Angeles they went. After graduation, Bruce joined the Army and served for 2 years. After being honorably discharged, Bruce returned to Los Angeles and went to work for Western Union where he later met his wife, Wilma Blewett. After a 13-year courtship, they were married for 48 years, sharing over six decades together. The church was a large part of Bruce and Wilma’s life. They also enjoyed taking cruises with friends, and even visited the Panama Canal twice. They took trips to Alaska, Hawaii, Germany and also visited the liberty bells in the lower 48 states. Bruce enjoyed watching movies and was an avid collector. His collection included, model airplanes, metal military figurines, autographed pictures of famous actors, and other miscellaneous items. Bruce is survived by his wife Wilma and sister-in Law, Theoda Blewett (Robert Hicks) He is preceded in death by his parents, several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Furness Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.