Nila "Nina" Rhea Hailey

Nila Rhea Hailey, 96, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away peacefully on Aug. 12, 2025, at Hope Hospice in Bonita Springs, Fla., surrounded by her loving family. With a faith that guided her every step, she now rests in the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Born on Jan. 4, 1929, in Muhlenberg County, Ky., Nila was the 11th of 12 children of Rod and Mary Eliza Perry. Growing up in a large, close-knit family instilled in her a strength and spirited personality that touched the hearts of everyone she met. In 1947, she married the love of her life, Ernest Hailey, after a courtship sparked by heartfelt letters exchanged during his Navy service in World War II—a sweet love story once featured in the Messenger-Inquirer. They welcomed their daughter Glee in 1949, filling their home with love and faith. Nila was a longtime member of Seven Hills Baptist Church and later First Baptist Church, where her steadfast devotion to God was a guiding force throughout her life. She worked for many years at General Electric before retiring, after which she and Ernest embraced a shared passion for running an antique business. Their home became a treasure trove of colorful pieces, each one telling a story from the past. She found peace and joy outdoors—tending her vegetable garden, planting flowers, or taking daily walks through the neighborhood she loved. An exceptionally talented crafter, Nila created beautiful works of cross-stitch, needlepoint, and crochet, including a cherished cross-stitch of a traditional Irish Blessing that still hangs in her family’s home. Those who knew Nila remember her quick wit, warm humor, and the charming colloquialisms she sprinkled into conversations, often leaving others smiling or laughing. Her strength, kindness, and unwavering faith were the hallmarks of a life well lived. She is survived by her daughter, Glee Stinnett of Bonita Springs, Fla.; granddaughters, Lisa Turker of West Hartford, Conn., and Jordan Stinnett of Fort Myers, Fla.; and her beloved great-grandsons, Evren and Emre Turker. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ernest, and her 11 brothers and sisters. Nila will be remembered for her deep love, her gift for bringing joy and laughter, and her steadfast faith. Her family takes comfort in knowing she is reunited with Ernest and in the presence of the Lord she so faithfully served. A memorial service will take place for Nila at Owensboro Memorial Gardens in her beloved hometown of Owensboro, Ky. To sign her guest register or to leave online condolences please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home Family Owned and Operated Since 1978.

Nila "Nina" Rhea Hailey

January 4, 1929 - August 12, 2025