Nancy B. Fairbanks

Nancy B. Fairbanks, 100, of Mason City passed away on Saturday, February 29, 2020, At the Good Shepherd Health Center.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 16, 2021, at St John's Episcopal Church, 120 1st St NE. Services will be livestreamed on the St John's Episcopal Church Facebook page.

Inurnment will be held in the St John’s Episcopal Church Columbarium. Memorials can be directed to St John's Episcopal Church or MercyOne North Iowa Hospice.

Nancy Eleanor Bowen Fairbanks was born on October 29, 1919, in Mason City to parents Lawrence and Frances (Hoare) Bowen. Nancy graduated from Mason City High School in 1937, she then went to Mason City Junior College graduating in 1939. After graduating college Nancy went to work for Pacific Gas and Electric from 1939 to 1945. On July 28, 1942, she was united in marriage to Lloyd Fairbanks in Mason City. After Lloyd returned from the service, he and Nancy pursued a farming career and they lived and worked on the farm until the early 1980’s. During their farming career Nancy and Lloyd opened their home to visitors from other countries giving them an opportunity to learn about different farming techniques. The two eventually moved back into town all while Nancy was working for the school district as a payroll clerk, doing so for 21 years retiring in 1984.

Nancy was heavily involved in her church and her community, volunteering her time on various boards and assisting with an array of events. She enjoyed baking, spending time with family and friends, throwing work Christmas parties at the house, helping the kids with their 4H projects and she had a love for animals.

Nancy is survived by her children: Susan Palmer, Jean (Bill) Kelley, Laura (Jeff) Craig; son in-law: Jim (Mary) Schriock; grandchildren: Stephanie, Charlie and Jon Schriock; great grandson: Ryland Schriock; sister in-law: Doris Groh; many nieces, nephews and friends; special friends, Rev. Elliot and Helen Blackburn, Robert and Joan Miller, and Barb Krieger.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Lawrence and Frances; Husband Lloyd; brother: David Bowen; sister: Barbara (Claude) Hewitt; daughter: Janet Schriock; son in-law: Dennis Palmer; brothers in-law: Richard (Beulah) Fairbanks and Karl Groh.