Autumn Leigh Bailey

Autumn Leigh Bailey, 39, of Polson, Montana, passed away on September 16, 2026.

Autumn was born on August 4, 1987, to Jim and Beverly Bailey, the long-awaited and much-loved baby girl who arrived after four sons. With her dark hair, rosy cheeks, and bright blue eyes, Autumn brought a special joy into her family from the very beginning.

Autumn was raised and educated in Polson and graduated from Polson High School. From an early age, she had a caring heart and a love for animals, children, and helping others. She was active in 4-H, and during her first year, she entered her pig, Petunia, who went on to be crowned Grand Champion. She also served as a student trainer for the wrestling club, always willing to lend a hand and be there for others.

Autumn later completed nurse aide training in Bozeman and became a Certified Nursing Assistant. She was beloved by the residents she cared for, who knew her for her gentle nature, compassion, and willingness to help.

Autumn faced struggles with substance use during her life, but she found the strength to seek recovery and completed treatment. She remained sober for the rest of her life, a testament to her courage, perseverance, and determination.

After returning to Polson, Autumn attended beauty school in Kalispell. She loved makeup and doing her own fingernails, and she brought her own sparkle and creativity to everything she did. Later, she attended Salish Kootenai College, where she earned an associate’s degree in Elementary Education. She worked in an after-school program, where her love for children truly shone. Children seemed to recognize her warm and welcoming spirit wherever she went, and she was affectionately known as the “Glitter Girl.”

Autumn had a beautiful soul, inside and out. She was known for being kind, helpful, caring, and forgiving. She had a way of making people feel welcome and cared for, and she was always willing to help when someone needed her.

Family was at the center of Autumn’s heart. When her mother, Beverly, became ill, Autumn devoted herself to caring for her. She also helped her father, Jim, in the hayfields, proving once again that she was happiest when she could be useful to the people she loved.

Autumn enjoyed the simple things in life. She loved Copper Mountain Coffee and cherished her cat, Bob, who was a beloved companion. She enjoyed genealogy and spent many hours researching her family history and learning about the people who came before her. She shared a special love of horror movies with her mother, Beverly, and learned needlework, including cross-stitch and embroidery, from her Aunt Janice.

Those who knew Autumn will remember her not only for the things she accomplished, but for the kindness she gave so freely. She was a woman who cared deeply, forgave easily, and tried to help wherever she could. Her laughter, sparkle, compassion, and beautiful spirit will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Autumn is survived by her parents, Jim and Beverly Bailey; her brothers, Seth Bailey, Tye (Amanda) Bailey, and Wade (Emily) Bailey; her niece, Nora Bailey; her adored cat, Bob; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family members who loved her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Dean and Lovie Bailey; maternal grandparents, Cecil and Gerry Crusch; her infant brother, James “Jamie” Cecil Bailey; her aunts, Garnet Stuerke and Helen Bailey; her beloved uncle, Vernon Bailey; and her cousin, Justin Ebel.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Valley View Clubhouse, 40762 Valley View Clubhouse, Polson. Father Victor Cancino will conduct the service.

Autumn had a beautiful soul inside and out. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, forgiveness, and caring that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 11:00 am at Valley View Clubhouse. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Valley View Clubhouse. For information, please contact Donna Benson at 406-261-1431.

Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.