Sandy Fairbairn

Sandra "Sandy" Jean (Witt) Fairbairn, age 79, of Atlantic, IA, passed away on Sunday, August 6, 2023, at Cass Health in Atlantic, after a short illness..

She was born on October 8, 1943, in Lubbock, Texas, to Jean (Leverett) and James Witt. 

She graduated from Monterey High School in May 1962.  She had a lifelong friendship with her “partner in crime” best friend, Ann Beth Peek Kudrat.  She loved music, and had a natural talent playing the piano.  She played various instruments in the band at Monterey High School and Texas Tech University, both in Lubbock, Texas.

She was raised by her parents to always be kind, fair, and honest with those she met from day to day.  She epitomized those character traits no matter who or what negatively impacted her life.  After moving to Lewis, Iowa, she and friend, Dana Kunze, found a historical house built by the Hitchcock family, that was to be demolished.  Many years ago, this house was used to provide safe housing for those on the underground railroad who were fleeing to Canada.  After gaining ownership of the house, she was on the board that guided and directed this project.  She also worked beside the volunteers to update the house.  Later, you could find her working at the gift shop and giving tours.  She served on the Hitchcock House Board from the inception of the project.  After the opening to the public, she was credited by the State and the Federal government for her leadership there.  The Hitchcock is on the National Registry.  In spite of the accolades, she credited the Board and all the volunteer workers for preserving the Hitchcock House as an essential national heritage.  She received a postcard every year from the “John Brown Society” recognizing her for her work.

Her many hobbies that she enjoyed were gardening, playing golf, watching grandchildren’s hobbies, and entertaining.  The many friends she made doing these things brought her joy.

On May 9, 1992, she married Harold Fairbairn.  They enjoyed 31 years of marriage.

She was blessed to have two brothers, Jimmy (Blenda) Witt, Wichita Falls, Texas, and Johnny (Vicki) Witt, Lubbock, Texas, sister, Barbara Witt (Jerry) Young, Huntington, Texas.  She was preceded in death by her parents, and her younger brother, Johnny.

She leaves to survive her:  husband, Harold Fairbairn; son, Jeff (Jodi) Rhoads; daughter, Jeni (Ken) Block; stepsons, Steve (Shirley) Fairbairn, Scott (Shelley) Fairbairn; grandchildren:  Abbey (Austin) Ewell; Dustin Rhoads; Destiny Andersen, Shelbi Williamson, Colton Williamson (Cassidy), Raven Williamson, Morgan Fairbairn, Mattie Fairbairn, Astrid Fairbairn, Dylan Fairbairn, and numerous great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank the caring medical staff at Cass County Hospital for their devotion and compassion in providing care for Sandy, and their compassion for the family in this difficult time of loss.

Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at 11:30 a.m., with Pastor Sharon Guffey-Lewis officiating, at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Atlantic, IA. A luncheon will be served following the service in the community room of the Schmidt Family Funeral Home. 

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service on Tuesday, August 8, at the funeral home. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Hitchcock House in memory of Sandy and may be mailed to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home P.O. Box 523, Atlantic, IA 50022.

Arrangements are handled with the Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Atlantic, IA.