Mission Viejo, CA

Martha Bailey Miller (Sanders) passed away in Mission Viejo, CA on February 21, 2022, at the age of 91. She was preceded in death by her first husband, James Douglas Bailey, in March of 1962 and her second husband, Charles Richard Miller, in May of 2005. Her eldest son, Douglas Bailey, also preceded her in death in May of 2003.

Marty (don’t dare call her Martha) was born in Beckley, WV, on March 27, 1930, to Carl and Thelma Sanders. She was the second of three children and was preceded in death by her elder sister Patricia Sanders McCormick.

After graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School, Marty attended West Virginia University and received an A.B. in Sociology. She was also a proud member of the Chi Omega Fraternity. She later attended graduate school at George Washington University while working as an intelligence analyst for the Department of Defense in Washington, D.C. Marty was smart, sassy, and ready for any challenge.

She might have pursued a career at the Department of Defense but instead dedicated herself to raising four sons and a daughter. She spent weekends and evenings attending football, baseball, wrestling, swimming, cross-country, and motocross events as well as talent shows, music and dance recitals, and battle of the bands competitions. Much to the annoyance of her children she joined committees and boards of directors overseeing these activities. Once grandchildren arrived on the scene Marty re-focused her attention on them. She created a lasting, loving, outsized positive influence on her family and, in fact, a lot of other youngsters and adults who happened to cross paths with her. Interacting with children was her lifeblood. To the benefit of many, she also served as a teacher’s assistant and a foster grandparent during her later years.

Her Christian beliefs were important to Marty and she attended Presbyterian and Congregational churches throughout her life.

Marty is survived by her children: John Bailey (Sandy), Stuart Bailey (Kelly), Robert Bailey (Sukunya), and Patti Meyers (Allan); her daughter-in-law Eiko Bailey (Doug); her grandchildren: Michael, Yuki, Megan, Emily, Allison, Hanna, Lilly, Elisabeth, and Stephen; her step-grandson: Nick; her great-grandchildren: James and Luke; and her brother: John Sanders.

We love you. We miss you. Rest in peace.

A Memorial Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date. Instead of flowers, please consider donating to Compassus Hospice at2401 E. Katella Ave., Suite 440, Anaheim, CA 92806, 714-364-8442, or online at compassus.com/about-us/giving-and-donations.