Obituary of Carolyn Lou Bailiff

Carolyn Lou Bailiff of Hilton Head, South Carolina, and formerly of Indiana, passed away on February 23, 2021 at the age of 74. Carolyn was born in Plainview, TX on December 18, 1946 to Arlon and Mary Frances (Boyd) Dedmon. She met her beloved husband, Russell Bailiff in Portales while attending Eastern New Mexico University. On June 4, 1967 she married Rus, and for 53 years they built a devoted life together.

Carolyn adored her family; nothing was more precious to her. Those surviving to cherish her memory include husband Rus; daughters Stephanie (Carey) Bush, Rhonda (Rick) Moorman, and Rachel Mackinder; eight grandchildren Anthony (Alyssa) Moorman, Anna (Ryan) Ibold, Taylor Maher, Cheyenne (Josh) Oldfield, Alizabeth Moorman, Austin Maher, Aaron Mackinder and Trent Mackinder; 7 great-grandchildren Ashlynn, Abbie and Adam Moorman, Evan, Elaina and Easton Ibold and Westin French; nephew Matthew Kruse. Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Patricia Kruse.

Carolyn took great pride in inspiring students during her tenure as a teacher with the Sunman Dearborn Community Schools Corporation. She enjoyed her book clubs, game nights with family and friends, puzzles, trips to the Cincinnati Zoo, traveling and loved the ocean. She will be remembered as a selfless, loving, compassionate, smart and funny wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, mentor, community volunteer and friend to many. Her sweet, exuberant personality was unmatched and will be greatly missed. Most importantly she was a Christian who loved the Lord, exhibiting immense grace until God called her home.

Friends and family are welcome to celebrate her life with a memorial service to be held on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at Bright Christian Church, Lawrenceburg, Indiana at 11:00 am. Memorial donations can be made in Carolyn’s name to The Cincinnati Zoo.