Laree Fairbanks

Our loving mother, LaRee, passed away in her home in Dayton Township, Michigan, surrounded by family, on February 13, 2025. She had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer five months earlier.

Thelma LaRee Schnebly Fairbanks was born on December 28, 1954 to Daniel and Anna Schnebly in Mesa, Arizona. She was the twelfth child of what would be a family with fifteen children. She loved her family and worked to keep close relationships with her siblings throughout her life. She spent most of her childhood years in Phoenix, Arizona.

As a young adult, she moved to Provo, Utah where she graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in elementary education.

LaRee was devoted to the Lord and loved her time as a full-time missionary in the Italy Rome Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

After her mission, she began teaching school in Thatcher, Arizona, where she met Justin Fairbanks. They were married for time and all eternity in the Mesa, Arizona Temple in 1986. They happily welcomed seventeen children into their family, and they were devoted, loving parents. The family spent time living in Thatcher and Snowflake, Arizona, Bellingham, Washington, Mesa, Arizona, Columbus, Indiana, and Waterford and Dayton, Michigan. Every place she lived, she developed deep friendships, expressed joy for the beauty around her, and enjoyed the opportunities in the area.

LaRee was a dedicated mother and worked hard to build a happy home where her children were treasured. Home was always bustling with all the busyness of a large family, yet she made time for fun family activities, outings, and family trips across the country. The gospel of Jesus Christ was central in their home and teachings, and her faith and love of the Lord was demonstrated throughout her life.

She shouldered the responsibility of becoming a single parent with great faith when her beloved husband passed away in 2007. She always expressed gratitude to the Lord for the time she had with Justin, and the family they were able to create.

As her children grew and started their own families, she excitedly welcomed each grandbaby and loved being a devoted grandmother.

LaRee is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Justin; a granddaughter, Celeste; her parents; and several siblings. She is survived by her children, Annette (Jesse) Campbell, Alicia Fairbanks, Aften Fairbanks, Victoria Fairbanks, Linda Fairbanks, Launa (Parley) Wilson, Alexander (Kristi) Fairbanks, Paul (Daisha) Fairbanks, Angela Fairbanks, Mary Fairbanks, Martha Fairbanks, Seth (Ciara) Fairbanks, Jared Fairbanks, Justin (Melanie) Fairbanks, James Fairbanks, Alina Fairbanks, and Jonathan Fairbanks; and by twenty-three loved grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at the Caro Branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 1695 West Gilford Road, Caro, MI, 48723. LaRee’s family will be present to receive friends at the church on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until 10:45 a.m.