Rachel E Bailey

Rachel Eileen Bailey, 78, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones in Evansville, Indiana. She was born on January 25, 1948, in Cannelton, Indiana, to Ralph Earl Frank Sr. and Maydell Eileen (Mills) Frank. Rachel was a caregiver in every sense of the word. She devoted her life to caring for others as a wife, mother, grandmother, educator, and faithful servant of God. Above all, she deeply cherished her role as a grandmother, finding her greatest joy in time spent with her grandchildren and in preserving family memories that would last for generations. She was a devoted and loyal wife to her husband of 48 years, James Brian Bailey, who survives her. Together, they built a life rooted in love, faith, and family. Rachel was a proud mother to two daughters: Amanda Eileen (Bailey) Bohleber, married to Matt Bohleber, and Elizabeth Ann (Bailey) Paternoster, married to Lyle Paternoster. She was a loving grandmother to James, Isabelle, Henry, Kate, Emma, and Reagan, each of whom held a special place in her heart. She is also survived by her sisters, Rebecca (Frank) Milligan and Beverly (Frank) O’Brien. She was preceded in death by her brother, Ralph Frank Jr., and her parents, Ralph Frank Sr. and Maydell Frank. Rachel attended Rockport High School, where she was proudly known as a Rockport Zebra and earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of St. Francis. She went on to build a distinguished career in healthcare education, serving as a caring and dedicated teacher of Radiology and Director of the Radiology Program at Welborn Hospital for 35 years. She concluded her professional career in 2003 as the Director of a School of Radiography and Ultrasound in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Her work shaped countless students and reflected her lifelong commitment to service and excellence. In retirement, Rachel continued caring for those she loved by scrapbooking family memories, supporting her children and grandchildren, and filling her home with warmth. She loved to read, cross-stitch, cook for others, and host family gatherings. Holidays were especially meaningful to her, as she delighted in finding the perfect gift for each person she loved. She truly enjoyed her grandchildren and loved watching them play sports and being there to celebrate all their accomplishments. A faithful Catholic and a true child of God, Rachel was a member of St. Philip Catholic Church in Mount Vernon, Indiana. Her faith guided her life and the way she loved others. She will be remembered for her infectious laugh, her huge smile, and her warm, comforting hugs…the kind that made people feel safe, loved, and valued. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 20, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Pierre Funeral Home, 2601 W. Franklin Street, Evansville, Indiana. All are welcome to attend and share in remembrance of Rachel’s life. A brief visitation will take place on Saturday, February 21, at 9:00 a.m. at St. Philip’s Catholic Church, 3500 St. Phillips Road South, Mount Vernon, Indiana. A Catholic Funeral Mass will follow promptly at 10:00 a.m., celebrating Rachel’s life, faith, and eternal rest in Christ. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her honor to Susan G. Komen breast cancer research.

Rachel E Bailey

January 25, 1948 - February 9, 2026