Lillian Elnora Bair

Lillian Elnora (McBride) Bair passed away peacefully at home, away after a long life of 92 years on October 3rd, 2014. She was born to Alfred Lee McBride and Lillian (Andrews) Oct. 8, 1921 in Redfield, South Dakota. Lillian spent her formative years in Freeport, Illinois, following behind her older brother Andrew (Andy) and sister Katharine (Kay). She loved the outdoors and sports from a young age; ice skating, skiing, tennis, softball, bowling, golf, and basketball. Raised in the church, she developed a personal relationship with her Savior Jesus Christ and worked all the days of her life to follow in His way.

Following high school and working at Micro Switch in Freeport, she joined the Navy WAVES to support her country and to find the boys who had all left for war. It was there that she meet Orval H. Bair, they wed on December 23, 1945. They moved to his hometown of Springfield, Missouri, where they had three children. Orval's career with Western Electric led them to travel to towns in Missouri and Kansas, finally settling in Topeka. Here their fourth child was born. Lillian was primarily a homemaker and mother, but was very active in the First Baptist Church, Topeka, KS., where she was involved in mission work, teaching, as a youth sponsor and church committees. Later in life, Lillian and Orval traveled the world, experiencing many countries and cultures. Their greatest joys were their family, watching their grandchildren grow, and being an avid Jayhawk fan.

Lillian was preceded in death; by her parents, a younger infant brother, her oldest brother and her beloved husband of 54 years.

Survived by her sister Katie Holmes, Freeport Il. Her children, Stephen Bair (Katherine) Florence, CO, Sandra Daftarian (Iraj) Long Beach, CA., Douglas Bair, Rock Creek, CO., and Janet Bair-Carpenter (Michael) Holton, KS. Grandchildren Nikta Azimi (Babak), St. Margaret, CA, Lucas Bair (Terra) Flagstaff AZ, Megan Roberts (Sheldon) Windsor, CO., Roya Lisboa (Sidney), Long Beach, CA., Chelsea Sanchez (Julian) Frisco, TX., M. Gwynne Carpenter, Lawrence, KS., M. Bryce Carpenter, Holton. KS., surrogate grandson, Adam Fieldler, Lawrence, KS, and her five great grandsons, Victor, Justice, Kasra, Nathan and Zadrian; as well as, several nieces and nephews and their families.

A family memorial service was held at the Banner Creek Reservoir Chapel, in Holton, KS., on October 4th, 2014.

In lieu of flowers or gifts her family requests that memorial contribution be made to:

Banner Creek Reservoir Chapel Fund Denison State Bank 421 New York Ave. PO Box 71 Holton, KS 66436