Pauline Bair: 1921 – 2011
Pauline Bair, 89, a resident of rural Churubusco and widow of Ralph L. Bair, passed away at 6:50 p. m. on Sunday, February 20, 2011, at her home following an extended illness.
Mrs. Bair was born near Merriam on April 17, 1921, a daughter of Tonda and Millie (Winebrenner) Keister. She spent her formative years in that area, and graduated from Wolf Lake High School in 1939.
On March 29, 1941 she was married in Noble County to Ralph L. Bair. The couple lived most of their married lives in Green Township in Noble County until moving to their present home west of Churubusco in 1993.
As a young woman she had worked at Blue Bell in Columbia City. A member of the Merriam Christian Chapel, she had served as the church’s janitor for several years, was president of the Sarah Circle, was a member of its Missions Board, sang in the church choir, and was active in the church’s children’s ministries.
She was also a member of the Highlighters Home Demonstration Club. She enjoyed her flower gardens and crafts, and most importantly loved her family and serving her Lord.
Mr. Bair preceded her in death on January 17, 2003.
The surviving relatives include her children Connie Bair, Keith (Deidre) Bair, and Curt (Diane) Bair, all of Churubusco, and Paula (Bill) Shultz of Albion; a brother Paul E. Keister of Albion; a sister Ilene Zumbrun of Columbia City; a brother-in-law Alton Parker of Albion; three sisters-in-law Nora Jane Bair and Mary Lois Edwards, both of Albion, and Anita Bair of Churubusco; eight grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a sister Virginia Parker; a sister-in-law Barbara Keister; and a brother-in-law Harold Zumbrun.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a. m. on Thursday, February 24, 2011, at the Merriam Christian Chapel with Pastor Terry L. Zolman, officiating.
The family will receive friends in the church multi-purpose room on Wednesday from 2 to 8 p. m., or in the church sanctuary one hour prior to the service Thursday morning.
Interment will be in the Christian Chapel Cemetery, Merriam.
For those who wish, memorials may be directed to the church mission’s fund.
Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco is in charge of the arrangements.
**************************************
To leave an online condolence for the family in Mrs. Bair’s memory, please click on “Condolences” below. . .
February 21st, 2011 at 6:26 pm
To Pauline’s Family – Jeanine and I want to send our heartfelt sympathy to all of you on your loss of Pauline. What a wonderful legacy of love for family and for God she has left you! Please rest in the knowledge that we will be here for you now. . .and in the days ahead.
Greg & Jeanine Childs and Staff
February 21st, 2011 at 10:13 pm
Sending our sympathy in the passing of Pauline. She will be greatly missed. She was a great influence in our lives, and we know that we will see her in heaven one day. May God give all of you grace and comfort at this time.
February 21st, 2011 at 11:22 pm
I was so sorry to hear about Aunt Pauline’s passing yesterday. I will never forget the times going out to the farm house with Grandpa & Grandma Bair. Aunt Pauline was always such a sweet loving soul whenever I would see her! Love to you all!!!
Chrissy
(Max’s oldest daughter)
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:58 pm
So sorry to hear about your mother-in-law, De. And my sympathies go out to Keith and the entire family. My prayers and thoughts are with all of you.
February 22nd, 2011 at 3:13 pm
Pauline will be greatly miss by all who knew her. She was a very loving person to all. May God be with all of her family and give them comfort. Monte and Nancy Gaff
February 22nd, 2011 at 3:16 pm
I have been praying for Pauline & will continue to pray for God’s comfort for all of you. I am so sorry for your loss.
February 22nd, 2011 at 3:53 pm
Dear Connie and Family,
Please know that you have Tom and I’s most heartfelt sympathy.What a kind a gentle person Pauline was and it showed in each one of the Bair children. May God Bless You through this most difficult time.
Sincerely,
Tom and Debbie Frazier
February 23rd, 2011 at 5:58 pm
Dear Connie & Family,
We want to offer our condolences at your great loss of Pauline. We loved her and we will miss her greatly. We know that God will comfort you as only He can. We are praying for you.
Sincerely, Bruce & Cindy Rex
February 23rd, 2011 at 8:50 pm
Dear Bair Family,
We extend our sympathy to each of you on the loss of your mother. Even though there is comfort in knowing that Pauline is well and more alive now than ever before, there is still grief for the temporary loss of her physical presence. You are in our prayers. Pauline always carried a special place in my heart (Nick) as I believe she was the one who prayed with me when I received Christ as my personal savior as a child. We are out of state and will not be able to attend the funeral, but will certainly keep you all in our prayers.
Nick & Elaine Zolman
February 24th, 2011 at 10:35 am
Art and I wish to send our love and sympathy to all of Pauline’s family. She has always been a kind, gracious, lady whom I’ve always admired. We have the assurance of someday meeting again in Heaven and though we mourn for our loss, we know she is walking with Jesus and being reunited with her loved ones there.
We apologize for not being able to attend her viewing or service, but our prayers will continue to be with you as you grieve.
Sincerely, Art and Carol Resler
February 24th, 2011 at 3:22 pm
Keith, My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of loss.
Les Robbins
Dallas, TX
469-323-0671
February 25th, 2011 at 7:06 pm
Keith, So sorry to hear of the loss of your Mother. She appears in her photo to be a classy gentle woman. It’s always hard to lose your Mother. I have been busy here at the funeral home in Monroeville, otherwise I would have gone to the funeral home to see you. Take care Keith. Bless you and your family.
March 1st, 2011 at 5:19 pm
Dear Bair Family,
Your mother was always a blessing to those around her. It was with extreme pleasure when I met her on the street and exchanged a few words with her, as she never forgot me and was ever her own true self. God bless you at this time.
Mrs. Herb (Joan) Weigold and children, John, Peggy, Brian and Sally.
March 2nd, 2011 at 8:55 am
Dear Bair Family, Your mother was a wonderful person why? Because she did a wonderful job of raising all of you. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. God will bless each and everyone of you.
Dr.Rebecca Case, Sylvia, Barb Bockelman, Jami Cole Sue Schuman
March 21st, 2011 at 8:57 am
Dear Family,
I want to extend my sympathy to all of you at this time in your life. Pauline was such a part of Merriam Christian Chapel and my formative years. I remember Bible School, and FBI. I recall the many dinners and the way she helped with everything. She will be missed but welcomed into Heaven with open arms.
May God bless and comfort you in your loss.
Sue Buffenbarger McKinney