Elizabeth Ann Fairless

Elizabeth Ann Fairless of New Burnside, IL passed away on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at Shawnee Senior Living in Herrin, IL. Elizabeth was 88 years old. Elizabeth was born in Ohio County, Kentucky on June 2, 1937 to Edward James Raley and Myrtle (Brown) Raley. She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Dr. Billy Joe Fairless. Elizabeth is survived by her daughters Liza (Stephen) Buckingham, Lena Fairless; grandchildren Shelby (Wendell) Martin, Derrick Linaweaver, Amelia Rylak, Benjamin Rylak; and great grandchildren Jackson Martin, Cameron Martin and Alice Martin. Elizabeth grew up in Detroit, Michigan and moved with her family to Louisville, Kentucky where she graduated from Southern High School. Elizabeth skipped the 4th grade going straight from 3rd grade to 5th grade. After high-school graduation Elizabeth attended Spencerian School in Louisville, a business school, and became a secretary. Elizabeth also took finishing-school classes, and it has always seemed as though she overall valued the classic, timeless French style. Elizabeth and Billy met in 1962 as both were working at Girdler Catalyst in Louisville, KY. They went to a movie on their first date. It was a rainy day on December 20, that same year, at Highland Park Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky where they were wed. Billy finished his undergraduate degree at SIU-Carbondale. Together, they moved to various universities as he became more educated in his field; living in Houston Texas; Princeton, New Jersey; and Evansville, Indiana. Elizabeth got a job at every location, but her favorite job was working for Maxwell House in Houston, TX, because she thought the people there were really nice. Elizabeth worked mainly as a temporary secretary, with many employers asking her to become a full-time employee since she performed her jobs so well. Eight years after they were married, Elizabeth and Billy had their first of two daughters. Liza Fairless (Buckingham) was born in Evansville, Indiana and later Lena Fairless was born in Hinsdale, Illinois. Elizabeth did everything she could to raise her daughters in a well-rounded way through participating in wholesome activities. She was an example of consistency and dedication. Elizabeth participated in Garden Club, WMU, a church quilters group, school Room Mothers, and was a great hostess when events were held at her home. Elizabeth was a devout Christian and church goer. Elizabeth and Billy took square dancing lessons for a short time. She was an election worker for years. Some of Elizabeth’s hobbies/activities/interests were canning, quilting, reading, working puzzles, exploring new areas, music, history, learning, traveling, and classic style. She always made the home a pleasant place to reside. Not sure there was a time when Elizabeth showed that she was alarmed, even if she really was. Her daughters remember a time during late winter one year when there was an ice storm resulting in a power outage and no school. During this time, Billy was gone on a business trip. Elizabeth simply added more wood to the wood-burning stove to keep everyone comfortable, and warmed food on top of the stove. She never seemed to miss a beat, and it seemed like a mini vacation to Liza and Lena. Elizabeth also had to go down to the pond to chop ice so the cows could drink water, before a heated stock tank was in place. Elizabeth thought of others by mainly acting behind the scenes. When she learned that a family friend of Lena’s was home alone while the rest of the family was away for an urgent matter, Elizabeth took the friend to the grocery store so that she would have extra food and supplies during the time she was home by herself. This is but one example of the many things that Elizabeth did behind the scenes to support and encourage others. Elizabeth was very determined that her daughters learned the foundational building blocks in school. Liza remembers having trouble with multiplication, so her mother made her write the multiplication tables 10 times per day throughout the summer. This basically cured Liza of her multiplication woes. Lena remembers being one of the worst spellers in first grade. Elizabeth took this seriously and quizzed Lena on spelling words every day. By the second grade, Lena was one of the best spellers in the establishment (Mom, how do you spell establishment?). Elizabeth was quiet and reserved, but never shy or scared, speaking her mind in a matter-of-fact way. She lived her life with consistency and a fluid finesse of observation and adaptability primarily based on her faith coupled with a sage forward-thinking manner that optimized family life. Elizabeth demonstrated love for her family in her quiet (most of the time), steadfast, always-available presence. Car rides were an opportunity for a captive audience (not quiet). In her later years she continued to be positive and upbeat, always inquiring about the weather and others and continuously ending all conversations on a happy note. She loved the Lord and we are rejoicing that she is with Him now. Likewise, the Lord blessed us so richly by allowing her to be our mother. A private graveside service honoring Elizabeth’s life will be conducted at Graves Cemetery, north of Vienna. Pastor David Michael Webb will officiate. Memorials in the form of a cash donation may be made for the upkeep and maintenance of Graves Cemetery. Donations may be left in the care of Bailey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 695, 705 North First Street, Vienna, Illinois 62995 and will be hand delivered to the appropriate individuals.

Elizabeth Ann Fairless

June 2, 1937 - September 3, 2025