Lavern R. Bailey

Lavern R. Bailey, 88, of Polson passed away on June 10 at St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson.

Lavern was born on May 13, 1923 in Milk River, Alberta, Canada to Clarence and Minnie Moerke. She grew up in Sweet Grass, Mont. until moving to Valley View near Polson in 1933. Lavern graduated in 1942 from Polson High School.

She married Dale Bailey on May 10, 1942. They farmed and ranched in Valley View for many years before moving into town. She and Dale built and started the Mountain Meadows Resort at Lake Mary Ronan.

Lavern enjoyed working at the Country Store and Polson Loaves and Fishes in Polson. She was a member of the Polson Community Church and the Valley View Women’s Club.

She is preceded in death by her husband Dale and two infant sons and her parents.

She is survived by her daughter, Anita (Roger) Targerson of Polson, two grandchildren, Wes (Randi) Targerson of Polson and Melissa (Clinton) Chowning of Polson. Five great-grandchildren, Emily, Owen and Lucas Targerson and Chelsia and Cadis Chowning. She is also survived by a sister, Virginia Jacobson of Prineville, Ore. and a sister-in-law, Lovie Bailey of Polson and numerous other relatives.

Visitation was held on Tuesday, June 14 at the Grogan Funeral Home. A memorial service was on Wednesday, June 15 at the Polson Community Church in Polson with Rev. Russ Barber officiating. A private family burial was held at Lakeview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Polson Community Church or Polson Loaves and Fish Food Pantry.

Grogan Funeral Home considers it a privilege to care for the Bailey family. Condolences may be left to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com