Viola Florence Fair

1930 - 2018

Viola Florence (Marshall) Fair passed away on August 22, 2018 after an extended illness. She was born October 14, 1930 in Lone Pine, CA to John W. and Rosella (Merrick) Marshall, grew up in Cartago, and graduated from Trona High School in 1948. After receiving a business degree at San Bernardino Valley College in 1950, she was employed as a Service Representative at Southern Telephone (later General Telephone) until 1954. She met her future husband, Edward Fair, while she was in high school, and they married in 1952 when he was on leave from the Navy during the Korean War. She and Edward had two daughters and settled in Rialto. The family moved to Citrus Heights in 1965. Viola created a loving home, supporting her family's well-being in every way. She was a caring and devoted wife, mother, and friend, and adored her 4 grandchildren. She sewed beautiful clothes, and was talented in arts and crafts. She served as room mother, Sunday school teacher, and Girl Scout leader in support of her daughters. Viola is remembered for her delicious cooking, abundant canning, beautiful garden, and lovely oil paintings. She always had the right See's candy for the occasion, and we are reminded of fun times with her when we taste butterscotch squares, strawberry-rhubarb pie, apricot-pineapple jam and her other favorites. She loved animals, adopting many dogs and cats over the years and offering a friendly yard for wild animals and birds. Viola was a very giving person and volunteered throughout her life. She was an active member of Celtic Cross Presbyterian Church for decades, volunteered for over 20 years at the Casa Restaurant supporting the Sacramento Children's Home, and supported the Thursday Club and Garden Club among others. She and Edward led projects to plant and maintain the Rusch House's former Rose Garden for more than a decade. Viola is survived by Edward, her beloved husband of over 65 years; brother, John W. Marshall Jr. (Beverly); daughters, Cheryl Zakskorn (Peter) and Pam Fair (Glen Sullivan); granddaughters, Stefanie Zakskorn Lynch (Brice), Stacie Zakskorn and Shelley Zakskorn Herzfeldt (Alex); grandson, Ted Sullivan; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Comber and Lillian Todd; many nieces and nephews; and her favorite cat, Ming. Viola was preceded in death by her parents as well as sisters, Jeanne Olson and Dorothy Park. Viola was kind, encouraging, and warm. Her smile, bright eyes, sense of humor and unconditional love will be forever missed. She will be laid to rest at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery; respecting her wishes, the service will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Viola's memory may be made to the Mono Lake Committee (www.monolake.org) or the Sacramento SPCA (www.sspca.org).