Cheryl Lynn Bailey Reinier, 74, of Ottumwa gained her wings on July 4, 2025 while residing at Good Samaritan Society – Ottumwa. She was born in Ottumwa on February 2, 1951 to Richard G. “Bomber” Bailey and Vera L. Rath Orndorff.
She was married in July 1969. To that union she was blessed with 3 sons and 1 daughter. They later divorced. Cheryl’s pride and joy was knowing she had her 9 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.
She attended Ottumwa High School and Hedrick High School. She worked as a home health nurse and daycare provider. Cheryl loved Iowa small town communities. She enjoyed putting in big vegetable gardens, canning, baking, cooking 3 full meals a day for her family. Later she enjoyed dancing, going to Las Vegas multiple times with her lifelong friend Orville Headley. Cheryl devoted her life to helping raise her grandchildren, Quinten, Jaya and Jexen, often playing Uno and having spontaneous KFC picnics at the park watching her grandkids play. She loved the color purple, especially butterflies. In earlier years she looked forward to spending 2 full weeks at the Iowa State Fair. Those earth angels with special needs held a prominent place in her heart.
She was born on Groundhog Day, which was as unpredictable as she was. It’s only fitting she left this world with a big bang on her way to glory the early morning of the 4th of July. She lit up the sky like the firecracker she was. One of her greatest achievements was reaching over 20 years of sobriety.
Surviving are her sons, Jamey Reinier (Tori Abolt) of Farmington, Jeff Reinier of Oskaloosa, Jody Reinier (Jennifer) of Kalona; a daughter, Julie Reinier of Ottumwa; siblings, Janice Bailey and Ada Mullin both of Ottumwa; along with several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant child; brothers, Rick, Jack, Donnie Bailey and Terry O.; a nephew, Chris Bailey; sisters, Connie Bandfield and an infant sister, Marsha Bailey; and her lifelong friend, Orville Headley.
Per her wishes, cremation will take place with no service planned at this time. There will be a private family memorial service in the near future with lots of outdoor bubbles being blown Heavenward.
Reece Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
