Josephine "Judy" Fairbanks

Josephine Wood Fairbanks Matis passed away on April 26, 2004 in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was born Aug. 9, 1914 in Monticello, Utah. Parents: Joseph Henry and Anna Lillian Decker Wood. Eternal companion for 52 yrs. Lynn Reed Fairbanks, Jr. Married in Salt Lake Temple August 9, 1932. Children Lynn D. Fairbanks (Carol) Utah, Patricia F. Wells (Robert) Utah, Fred W. Fairbanks (Carrol) Utah, Richard G. Fairbanks (Nadine) Minnesota, Mark D. Fairbanks (Janice) California, 27 grandchildren, 69 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great-grandchildren, 132 descendants including spouses.

Our beloved mother and grandmother was a woman of faith and charity all the days of her life. She had a strong and steady testimony of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her mother and other family members were original Pioneers who came through the "hole in the rock" over the Colorado River to Bluff, Utah. Mom was an example of service, goodness, patience, cheerfulness, generosity, and was happiest when surrounded by her family. She radiated love and joy. Those who knew her considered her to be a genuine, "real lady." Mom and Dad were married in the Salt Lake Temple in 1932. They were busily involved with the Excelcis Beauty Cosmetics Company while raising their five children. In their later years they served a mission in Nauvoo, Illinois. Reed passed away in September, 1984. The bonds of friendship with neighbors, friends, family and those in their study clubs were among their most treasured memories.

In 1989, Jody, at the age of 75, married Henry A. Matis, age 84. They had 10 wonderful years together, including a mission to Tampa, Florida. The union of these two families was a blessing. Henry passed away in Sepember, 1999.

Henry A. Matis children: Betty (Cal) Packard, Fred (Marilyn) Matis, John (Nadine) Matis, James (Jeanette) Matis, Bruce (Joan) Matis

Preceded in death by all of her siblings: Earl, Clair, Bernice, Fern, Clark, Merrill, Mark. Surviving sisters-in-law: LaVon Wood, Lou Jean Weston, Clair Wood, Mary Lynn Burningham.

A special thanks to Linda McNitt, who helped us love and care for our mother this last year in her home. Thanks to those at Garden Terrace for their tender care.

Funeral services will be held in the Forestview Ward, 1100 East 2818 South, on Sat. May 1, 2004 at 12 noon. There will be a viewing at the ward from 10:45-11:45 a.m. prior to the funeral. A viewing will also be held Friday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to "the perpetual education fund" of the LDS Church.

SOURCE: Deseret News