Violet "Lollie" Marcella (Sheriff) Fairbanks

Violet M. “Lollie” Fairbanks, 96, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 12, 2020, at Accura Healthcare of Cresco. 

Lollie was born November 2, 1923, daughter of Louise and Leonard Sheriff in the village of Spring Grove.  She attended school there through the 8th grade.  We recall the stories of her and her siblings walking to the country school and the memories they made together.  She was united in marriage to Ferd Engelhart on February 13, 1941, in Caledonia, and from that union 7 children were born: Gary, Robert, Bonnie, Fred, Richard, Sandra, and Steven.  Following Ferd’s death, Lollie moved to Spring Valley, where she later met Arthur Fairbanks, and from their union 2 daughters were born: Dawn and Denise.  Together, the couple made their home in Lime Springs.

Lollie over the years held a variety of jobs including working the tobacco fields, factory work, and cleaning jobs.  She was also a wonderful homemaker and in-home daycare provider.  Many of those children also became loves of her life along with the numerous grandchildren.   

Lollie was a woman of very few needs or material possessions, but she would give the last of what she had to anyone in need.  This included her love of baking treats for family and friends, especially her delicious brownies and cupcakes.  She was good at “hiding” her own little stash for her sweet tooth, too!  Lollie was a beautiful woman with a heart of gold.  Her faith was a beacon of strength for her through life’s troubles and triumphs. 

Over the last year while at Accura, Lollie enjoyed her time playing bingo with the residents and the activities put on for them.  She also looked forward to the visits and calls from her children and grandchildren.  They always put a smile on her face.  She would reminisce and share stories of the past with them.  Lollie and Jacob would also pull out the card table and work on puzzles. If a piece went missing, Lollie often had it hiding on her lap.

She is survived by her children; Gary of Austin, MN, Robert (Mary Lou) of Belvidere, IL, Fred (Dianne) of Rushford, MN, Sandra Munson of Elkton, MN, Dawn Fairbanks of Lime Springs, and Denise (Jay) Hanson of Lime Springs; as well as many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, cousins, and the dear friends she held close to her heart.

Lollie has now been reunited with the family and friends who preceded her in death.

Graveside services with the family will be held later at a date to be announced.     

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