Barbara Joan Comes Fairholm

She is preceded in death by her husband, Gilbert W. Fairholm, and parents Dora Appelman and Bryan Helene Comes. She is survived by her children, Ann Barber, Paul Fairholm (Corey), Dan Fairholm (Laurie), Scott Fairholm (Marcy), Matt Fairholm (Shannon), nineteen grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren.

Barbara was a devoted wife, mother, student, and teacher. Having grown up in humble circumstances in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, in a home mostly led by her single mother, Barbara’s many achievements are capped by the creation of a loving family and growing posterity. At age 12, she worked as a restaurant cook and at 16 years old added a career as a newspaper reporter and photojournalist for the Scottsbluff newspaper where she covered crime, natural disasters, and local events. She graduated from Brigham Young University with honors having served as editor of the school’s newspaper, the Daily Universe, and was a member of leadership and service honorary societies. Her many talents were put to work through years of family, community, and church devotion, highlighting her commitment to a life of service. She was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and gave dedicated service in numerous positions of responsibility. Especially fond of studying and teaching the gospel to others, she prepared study guide materials and lesson plans, serving also in the Church Educational System as a seminary and institute teacher for almost two decades. She enjoyed reading, home landscaping, sewing, needlework, and traveling.

We will have a visitation at 9:00 am, Monday, May 4th, at the Midlothian Ward building, (10660 Duryea Drive, Richmond, VA). The service will be at 10:00 am. A graveside dedication service will be at noon, at Dale Memorial Park 10201 Newbys Bridge Rd, Chesterfield, VA.

In lieu of flowers, consider donating to a favorite charity, to BYU, or to Reading is Fundamental.