Grace Fairbanks

Grace M. Fairbanks, May 28,1910 - March 2, 2016, of Highlands Ranch, Colo., former Ironton Mich. resident, passed away Wednesday, March 2, 2016. She is survived by her children, Bruce Fairbanks (Peggy), Littleton, Colo., Shayne McCook (Ron), Tempe, Ariz.; daughter-in law Virgeleen Fairbanks, Norman, Ok. Her husband of seventy-four years, Ronald J. Fairbanks, and son, Charles L. Fairbanks, preceded her in death. Grace and Ron are blessed with fourteen grandchildren; forty great-grandchildren; and seven great-great grandchildren. Grace's sister-in-law, June Riley lives in Charlevoix.

Born Grace Mary Kubesh, she lived on a small farm outside of Traverse City, Mich. where she grew up with no electricity or indoor plumbing. Grace attended a one room rural school where all eight grades were taught under one roof. She was in her early twenties when she met her husband, Ron Fairbanks, in Traverse City and they married September 11, 1932. They moved to Charlevoix in 1933, to start a family business, Fairbanks Bakery. In 1950, they moved to Grand Rapids, Mich. where they opened a new bakery called Fairbank's Pastries. Grace helped by doing the bookkeeping and payroll. Ron retired in 1976, and they moved to Ironton. For thirty years they enjoyed living part time in Ironton, and wintering in Florida and Arizona.

Grace was a creative homemaker, loving mother, and had many hobbies that enriched her life. She was an avid bowler, gardener, bike rider and she walked four miles a day for thirty years. She was a master quilter and generously gave her beautiful quilts to her children and grandchildren. At the age of 100 Grace took up writing poetry and at 103 she enjoyed painting with water colors. She was honored to have her artwork selected by the Alzheimer's Association in Denver to be raffled off for their fundraiser. Many who knew Grace called her "Amazing Grace" due to her long, healthy, productive and accomplished life.

Her funeral service will be held at 1 pm on May 28, 2016 (her 106th birthday) at the Winchester Funeral Home in Charlevoix where visitation will begin at noon. A graveside service at Brookside Cemetery will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Ironton Congregational Church, c/o Sherman Chamberlain, 103 West Upright, Charlevoix, MI 49720; or to,  Alzheimer's Association, 455 Sherman St #500, Denver, CO 80203.