Kathryn Michelle Bailey was born August 7, 1991, second daughter to Colonel (Ret) Thomas M. Bailey and Virginia Koch. She was sister to Jessica, Fionn, and Brigid Bailey and stepdaughter to Siobhan Dwyer. Kathryn is survived by grandparents Lieselotte Bailey and Daniel Koch.

Kathryn was raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina, attended Saint Patrick Catholic School, Terry Sanford High School, UNC Chapel Hill where she earned a BA in European Studies and Art History, and Kingston University in London where she received a Master's Degree in Museum Studies.

In January 2015 Kathryn enlisted in the Army for the Officer Candidate School (OCS) option. After completion of basic training and Officer Candidate School, Kathryn went to Flight School at Fort Rucker, Alabama, following in the footsteps of her father. She received her Army Aviator Badge and was rated as a UH-60M aviator in March 2017. Kathryn was subsequently assigned as the Airframe Repair Platoon Leader in Delta Company, 2-25th Aviation Regiment, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade at Wheeler Army Airfield, Hawaii. Her awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, and the Army Aviator Badge.

Kathryn had a love of all things adventurous and desired to see the world. This, combined with her love of country and family, prompted her to join the Army and defend the United States of America. She was happiest when with her family or flying high above the clouds. As Kathryn often said, "For those I love I will sacrifice." Kathryn brought joy and laughter to everyone she met with her quirky sense of humor. She was passionate about bowling, hiking, running, traveling, geocaching, dinosaurs, puppies, and Captain America. She will forever be remembered by her smile, love of life, and love of God.

Kathryn entered eternal rest on August 15, 2017 while serving on active duty.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in honor of 1LT Kathryn Bailey at https://quad-a.ejoinme.org/MyPages/DonationPage/ta... A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, October 20, 2017 at 12 Noon at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Sandhills State Veteran's Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church from 11 A.M. – 12 Noon.