Thelma A. Fairbanks

September 9, 1920 - August 16, 2020

Thelma A. Fairbanks (Smock) Thelma Aileen Fairbanks, age 99, of Winchester, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Sunday, August 16, 2020. Thelma was born on September 9, 1920 to Ralph and Addie Smock in Leroy, IL. She married Joe Fairbanks on March 1, 1942 in Hannibal, MO. Joe and Thelma acquired Pleasant Point Resort in Winchester in 1951 and eventually purchased Winchester Hardware in 1960, running both businesses for many years. The hardware store was taken over by son Ed in 1970 and renamed Fairbanks’ Store with Thelma continuing to work at the store every day until its closing in 1998. Devoted to the community, Thelma was active in Civic Club and the Pine Tones singing ensemble. She was a member of the election board and a volunteer at Winchester Library. Thelma’s favorite pastimes included quilting, embroidering, baking pies and spending time with family and friends. Thelma is survived by her children, Ann (John) Wilson of Winchester, WI, Ed Fairbanks of Winchester, WI, Ellen (Ed) Schaub of Woodruff, WI, eight grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Thelma was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, husband Joseph, grandson Joe, and daughter-in-law Ruth. Services will be held at Winchester Cemetery at 1:00 pm, Thursday, August 20, 2020. A celebration of life will take place on September 9, 2020, Thelma’s 100th birthday. Time and location to be announced. Very special thanks to the wonderful staff at Ascension at Home hospice care who provided such kindness and loving care to Thelma and her family.