Pure love is a rarity in these trying times. It takes a lot of work, compromise, and staying true to your vows.

A couple that was born on the Upper West Fork, Scott and Gae Bailey, have remained there all 81 years of their lives. They are always willing to lend a helping hand and are a great asset to the community.

Edith “Gae” Hoover was born Aug. 27, 1927, to George and Rhoda Arnold Hoover on Lower Nicut. Her parents were farmers and also raised her four brothers and two sisters.

Gae attended the one-room Lower Nicut grade school, and then walked 2.5 miles to get to the bus stop and rode the bus 25 miles when she went to the high school.

She recalls a time during school recess that her and Buck Bailey were sleigh riding and she ended up getting cut in an accident. She still has the scar.

Winfield “Scott” Bailey was born Dec. 12, 1926, on Sears Run. His mother was Lula Bailey, who died shortly after his birth.

He was raised by his aunt, Chloe “Ma” Bailey, and his grandparents, John and Mary Bailey. His uncles, Dave and Ken, were a big influence in his life. Scott attended a two-room school at Minnora.

 In 1943, at the age of 16, Scott, accompanied by his brothers, would walk Gae and her sisters home after church services.

In 1945, Scott began his tour of duty in World War II. He was a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army. During his 22-month tour, he was stationed in Japan and the Philippines.

Gae would write him letters, awaiting the time until she could see him again. He returned in October, 1946.

On Dec. 31, 1946, Scott and Gae were united in marriage at her parents’ home. Scott was so nervous, he knocked the curtain rod off the wall.

Scott and Gae Bailey just after marriage.

The following day, Scott and Gae packed all her clothes in a box and they walked over the hill as man and wife.

They have three daughters, Marty Park, Sharon Groves and Joyce Meek, and a son, now deceased, John Bailey. Joyce was born in a hospital. The others were born at home with the aid of a traveling doctor.

They are also proud of their 10 grandchildren and six great- grandchildren.

In 1963, they bought a 265 acre farm from Arthur “Bud” Walker for $8,000. There were two houses on the tract of land, but they did not move into their present house until 1972, after it was remodeled.

Throughout the years, they gardened and canned, and had livestock. Scott retired from Monarch Rubber, Spencer, in 1989. In 2003, he was named Democrat of the Year. 

They are proud of their cellar of canned goods, which are packed to the ceiling. Gae is a homemaker. She belongs to the Red Hat Society, collects post cards, and is an awesome cook. After each meal, Scott tells Gae, “Thanks for a fine meal, Babe.”

Scott and Gae Bailey

These two people are such caring and generous people and it seems like they have not met a stranger.

After 61 years of marriage, working together is the most important thing. Gae said she would “do the same thing over and over again.”

That is pure love.