Kearney, Neb. - Joan Bailey, a pioneer in women's athletics at Kearney State/Nebraska-Kearney, passed away last Friday (Jan. 15th) after a long illness.

Bailey (81) was laid to rest on Wednesday (Jan. 20) in her hometown of Emporia, Kans. A gathering in Kearney to celebrate her life will be announced at a future date.

For more on what Bailey meant to the Loper family, click HERE to read a story from the Kearney Hub.