Thelma R. Fairbanks
Thelma R. Fairbanks
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She was born February 13, 1939, in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Leonard Tanka and Lucile (James) Werner.
Thelma was a member of First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ in Willoughby for 65 years and worked at Rudy's Quality Meats in Willowick for 40 years.
She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Donald L. Fairbanks; children, Mike (Kathy) Fairbanks, David (Karen) Fairbanks, Laura (Ken) Farabaugh, Carole (Jeff) Stergar and Kathleen (Nick) Bartoszek; "Grandma" to Mike (Gina) Fairbanks, Samantha (John) Rogers, Abigail Fairbanks, Kathryn (Tibor) Lakatos, Evan Fairbanks, Kenneth (Neetu) Farabaugh, Elisse (Joey) Greenleaf, Jared Stergar, Daniel Stergar, Brian Stergar, Lauren Bartoszek (Carmen Toth, fiancé) and Megan Bartoszek; "Gigi" to 8 great-grandchildren with a 9th "on the way;" sister, Martha (Norbert) Fox; brother-in-laws, Harold (Alexa) Fairbanks and Michael Maloney; sister-in-law, Janet (Charles) Barton.
Thelma was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard Tanka and Lucile (James) Werner; paternal grandparents, Michael and Anna Tanka; maternal grandparents, Thelma Kluge and Raymond James; sister, Kathryn Maloney.
A Celebration of Life with burial at Western Reserve Memorial Gardens will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve or a charity of your choice.
Lake Erie Cremation and Funeral Services, 29801 Lakeland Blvd, Wickliffe, Ohio 44092 assisted the family with arrangements.
www.LakeErieCrematory.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
April Reed
November 20, 2025
We are so very sorry to hear about Thelma's passing. She was a wonderful lady. We have so many great memories of her at Willoughby First Christian Church. She had such a heart for service. Don and family, we're praying that your memories of Thelma will bring you comfort. God Bless.
Dick and Eileen Crihfield
Russ and April Reed
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Tim Czech
November 18, 2025
Deepest sympathies to Don and the entire family.
We have been neighbors of Don and Thelma for 35 years.
They have been kind caring to us in all that time.
We will miss Thelma's smile and wave to us as she tended to her flowers.
Donna and Tim Czech.
Kris Stacks
November 18, 2025
My time with Thelma directly was at Rudy's Quality Meats. What a Fabulous co-worker she was in my short times with her. Loved, Loved, Loved when Thelma was working!!
Indirectly, I can say I knew of Thelma through Kathleen and I saw way back how good Thelma and Don both were on account of Kathleen and her siblings!!
I wish you Peace and Comfort in knowing how good of a person Thelma was on this Earth!!
Kris Stacks
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1500 Harpersfield Road, Geneva, OH 44041
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