Ruther Lee McHellen Bailey, 71, of Palatka, entered the sunset of life on Thursday, June 3, 2021 at Haven Hospice Roberts Care Center, Palatka.  A native of Armstrong, she was the daughter of Robert McHellen, Jr., and Ethel (Heath) McHellen, born on Sunday, April 23, 1950. She was educated in the Putnam County School District and a 1965 graduate of Central Academy High School.  She furthered her education at Bethune-Cookman College earning a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration.  She was a former member of Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of Elder J.C. Tookes.  She earned Certified Nursing Assistant credentials at St. Augustine Vo-Tech Institute in 1995.  Over the years, Ruther was employed at the O'Carroll Home, Ragsdale Daycare Center, and Hydro Aluminum. Her hobbies included cooking and sewing.  She enjoyed reading her bible and spending time with her family.

In addition to her parents , she was preceded in eternal rest by her maternal grandparents , Titus and Elnora Heath; paternal grandparents , Reverend Robert McHellen, Sr., and Tamus McHellen; brother, Robert McHellen, III.; nephew, Marcus Jamel Williams.

She leaves to cherish her memories: husband , David Adam Bailey, Palatka; sons , David Bailey, Jr., Tampa; Timothy Bailey, Shawn Bailey, both of Palatka; Michael Bailey, Seattle, WA; Kenneth Bailey, Orlando; grandchildren, Kiercia Bailey, Tamara Bailey, Miracle M.  Bailey, Daquavia Bailey, Chakema Bailey, Alexander Pittman; sister ,  Alberta McHellen; nephews, Robert P. McHellen, Christopher E. McHellen, Ivan C. Boyd; niece, Roberta L. McHellen Williams; and a host of other relatives and friends.

CDC guidelines will be followed for the visitation of family and friends from 5-7 p.m., Friday, June 11 and Homegoing Celebration commencing at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 12, at "Flagg's Chapel of Serenity". Pastor Bruce S. Seger, First Church of God, Palatka, is the eulogist. Interment will be in Oak Hill West Cemetery, Palatka.