Lucille S. Fair Obituary (1909

After delighting the world for more than a century with her quick wit, charm and "Give 'em hell" determination, Sophia Lucille Gouldie Fair passed away Monday morning from complications related to a recently broken leg. A beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and wife, Lucille lived through some of the country's best and worst times, and constantly found strength through her family. Lucille was born eight miles north of the geographical center of the Continental United Stats on August 4, 1909 in Logan Township, Smith County, Kansas, to James II and Mattie May Gouldie, the seventh of eight children. She completed nine years of schooling while helping out on the family farm, and met a striking young gentleman, Elmer Leland Fair ("Lee"), whom she would eventually marry in 1925. Lucille and Lee had three children: Betty (Fair) Mahler, Elwin Fair and Wilma (Fair) Shewey, and raised them on the Kansas farm during the Great Depression and Dust Bowls. The Fairs worked hard not only to survive, but also to pay off several family debts they had inherited from earlier generations. Lucille often spoke of these times: "We didn't have much, but we were happy." Always eager to help others and keep spirits high, the Fairs constantly entertained neighbors and hosted social events. She and Lee played in a musical group they nicknamed "The Mothballs" because they found their instruments amongst mothballs when they began playing. She offered haircuts and styles to those who couldn't afford them, and on one evening even delivered a neighbor's baby in the wee hours of the night. She also taught Sunday School for many years at the Mt. Hope Church. Helping others became Lucille's charge, as her children say, "She never wanted anything, she always gave." Even at 99 years old, when Lucille heard that the World Special Olympics needed 5, 000 blue and white scarves for their ceremonies in Boise, Idaho, she got to work an crafted 15 of them herself, and graciously donated them to the cause. Although small in stature, Lucille had some big roles on the farm (located 10 miles north of Lebenon, Kansas). She took care of livestock, worked in the fields, cooked meals and handled heavy machinery - all while taking care of the children. Even in her later years, it wasn't uncommon to see Lucille driving grain trucks into town or mowing her own multi-acre lawn. Always political adept, Lucille kept up with local and national elections movements, and served on the local election board. Born during the William Taft - the nation's 27th president - administration, she lived through the country's political evolutions, including women's right to vote. Lucille spent her later years primarily on the Oregon Coast, living with her daughter Betty and son Elwin's families, though she frequently visited her other daughter Wilma in Idaho. True to her Kansas farming roots, she'd spend several months each year on the farm, maintaining the same farmhouse she had lived in for the majority of her life. She was still planning her annual Kansas trip until the very end. She adored her family, which includes three children, five grandchildren, 11 great-grand children and five great-great-grandchildren. Known lovingly as "G.G." (short for Great Grandma) by the younger generations, Lucille played an integral role in the entire family's development, ranging from home cooked meals to babysitting services to much-needed advice. Her handmade quilts and blankets are still treasured by the entire family. Lucille joins her husband, Lee, who passed away in 1982, and all of her siblings. She is survived by her children Betty, Elwin and Wilma; her grandchildren: Kent Mahler, Karen (Mahler) Williams, Barbie (Shewey) Vander Boegh, Teresa (Shewey) Schwisow and Renee Fair; her great-grandchildren: Marcy (Williams) McArther, Lee Vander Boegh, John Mahler, Kevin Williams, Matt Vander Boegh, Greg Mahler, Anna Schwisow, Amanda (Fair) Monie, Lacey Vander Boegh, Leah Schwisow and Ethan (Fair) Monie; and great-great-grandchildren: Caden McArther, Adie McArther, Ava Mahler, Hailey Williams and Peyton Mahler. Lucille touched more lives during her 100 years than she could ever know, and her family, friends and loved ones are forever indebted to her kindness, selflessness and can-do spirit. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., July 20, 2010 at the Williams Funeral Home in Red Cloud with the Rev. Richard Fairbanks officiating. Interment will be at the Mt. Hope Cemetery in Smith County, Kansas. Visitation will be held Monday 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. to service time on Tuesday. Williams Funeral Home 241 West 4th Avenue Red Cloud, NE 68970 402-746-2500 williamsfuneralhomes@yahoo.com