In Loving Memory
1940•2026
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Betty Darlene Fairbanks (née Keesey) was born on August 10th in 1940 in New Kensington, Pennsylvania to Virginia and James Keesey. As a young child, Betty grew up with her three sisters, Connie, Margerie, Penny, and her brother James, in Aluminum City Terrace company housing until Betty was in 7th grade. Then the family moved to Gilpin Township outside Leechburg. To help with her family’s finances, as a teenager Betty worked at a diner called Tony’s Dairy, a pattern of selflessness that exemplified her life.
After high school, Betty became the first person in her family to attend college, eventually earning her bachelor’s degree in English and German at Thiel College in Pennsylvania. She would go on to earn her master’s degree at the University of Pittsburgh. Following graduation, she got a job as a high school teacher in English and German at Kiski Area High School, in Vandergrift Pennsylvania, where she became close friends with Betty Johnson (née Gibson).
As a teacher, Betty had the opportunity to travel to Germany, a trip that would change her life. Meeting and talking with a pair of returned missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Betty resolved to learn more about the faith when she returned stateside. This would lead to her joining the church with her best friend and colleague Betty Johnson.
Betty met the man who would become her husband, Avard Fairbanks, on a blind date in Michigan, approximately halfway between where he was living in California and where she was living in Pennsylvania. They must have really hit it off because she joined him in California for a second date shortly afterwards, on a beach near Los Angeles where he asked her to marry him. She said she needed some time to think about it. They were engaged on their third date.
Together in California, Betty and Avard started their family with the births of children Ruth, Avard, and Rosemary. Having never made peace with California earthquakes, wildfires, and scorpions, Betty was happy to move to Salt Lake City in 1973. She did, however, miss those fresh California avocados. It was in Utah where their children, Jonathan, James, Sarah, Joseph, Benjamin, and Thomas were born.
Growing up in rural Pennsylvania with her brother and sisters, Betty dreamed one day of becoming either a taxi driver or a teacher. Later, raising her nine children, Betty would joke that she accomplished both of these aspirations. Of course, her children were not the only people who received their education from Betty. As a teacher at Bryant Junior High in Salt Lake City for twenty-five years, she built strong programs for National History Day competitions and Future Problem Solving. She taught English and German to so many seventh and eighth graders that it was impossible for her, after retirement, to leave the house without running into a former student who would greet her with “Hello Mrs. Fairbanks” or “Guten Tag, Frau Fairbanks.” Retirement didn’t mean that Betty stopped teaching. She leveraged her considerable talents into her church service and in other volunteer opportunities.
With her love of language, two phrases that Betty seldom used were “son-in-law” or “daughter-in-law.” She considered the spouses of her children as her own and treated them accordingly, taking pride in the character and accomplishments of her new children.
As much as she loved her job as a teacher and her service in and outside of church, Betty’s favorite job was Grandma. She couldn’t keep track of her car keys or reading glasses and had been known to leave behind one or two of her own children, leading to the Fairbanks version of no child left behind: the count-off. She did, however, always know exactly where all of her thirty-four grandchildren were. Each and every one of them was special to her and when they talked to her, they could never doubt it because whatever was most important to them, on an individual level, was the most important thing for her as well.
In 2025, Betty left her much loved Rose Park neighborhood to live in Ogden at Legacy House where, true to her affable character, she built many new close friendships. With friends in both her Salt Lake and Ogden wards, she boasted a social calendar that would make the most outgoing person jealous. Still, she made time to tutor students in the Ogden Public Library program, participate in book clubs and indulge her love of theater.
After a recent illness, Betty passed away at McKay Dee Hospital on Sept 8, 2026. It took two busy days for Betty to say good-byes to a long list of visitors and callers who loved her dearly. She passed peacefully, with her children holding her hands and singing her on. She is survived by her nine children, thirty-four grandchildren, and nine (or ten, any day now) great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Avard and her sisters and brothers (including her younger brother, David, who died as an infant), as well as by her honorary sister, Betty Johnson.
Those who knew her miss her. Those who didn’t missed out.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Rose Park North Stake Center, 1200 North 1200 West, where friends and family may visit one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Larkin Sunset Lawn Cemetery, 2350 East 1300 South, SLC. Those wishing to attend virtually can click the “watch services” button above.
There are too many family Sunday dinners to count. She provided the food and the inclusive atmosphere. I loved that Betty shared humorous quotes with me frequently. She was more than a sister-in-law. She was a close friend. I will miss her smile and warmth. She was a bright light whose influence will be felt to those who knew her.
Betty truly made you feel close in visits and loved no matter what. May her family be comforted to know they are an Eternal Family and will be together again.
With Friendship and Love,
My thoughts are with you. Betty was a good caring person. Her blessings in heaven will be many. Love you all Marlene
I will always remember Betty as a fabulous and compassionate friend. A wonderful teacher who loved her profession and students. God bless her along her loving and eternal companion. Love you always Betty!
Betty was my teacher mentor when I first worked at Bryant Middle School. She was tough, but fair.
I remember meeting her for the second time and her saying 'I was just talking about you.'
'All good, I hope,' I replied.
She said, 'I haven't decided yet.'
Betty's love of learning was always evident in both her personal and professional lives - what an inspiration and legacy! Thank you, Betty!
Aunt Betty lived many miles away, but somehow she always made my daughter and me feel like we were right there with her. She had a way of making us feel special, even from a distance.
My mom was so proud to be her sister, and Aunt Betty gave her plenty to be proud of. She raised an amazing family and talked about them often, always with so much pride.
I’ve often wished we could have lived closer and had more time together. The miles kept us apart, but they never kept her from being part of our lives. She will be greatly missed and always remembered with so much love.
Betty was an amazing educator and touched the lives of so many students. I will always remember her warm smile. She truly made a positive difference during my professional journey. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
When Derek and I moved to Utah in May of 2009, I had the blessing of getting to know Betty Fairbanks. I don’t recall which Fairbanks family member first introduced us, but Betty soon learned that I was a nurse and that she was in need of someone to help care for her aging husband, Avard.
Although I was only able to help for a short time before accepting a position at a local hospital, those days were a special blessing in my life. They gave me the opportunity to get to know Betty and Avard better and to witness the love, faith, and devotion that filled their home.
One of the things that stands out most in my memory is the way their home reflected what mattered most to them. The walls were filled with pictures of the Savior, Jesus Christ, as well as beautiful family pictures of their nine children and their posterity. It was evident that their love for the Lord and their family was at the center of their lives.
I will always cherish the opportunity I had to know Betty Fairbanks. Through her, I came to appreciate even more the wonderful family she and Avard had built. I learned that the Fairbanks family is filled with amazing individuals who carry a legacy of faith, and devotion to the Savior.
I am grateful that our paths crossed and that I was able to be a small part of their lives. Betty’s example and the love she shared will remain a cherished memory.
My heart goes out to the entire Fairbanks family. May you feel the love of the Savior and the peace that comes from knowing that families can be together forever. I am grateful for the knowledge that through Jesus Christ, this separation is not the end, but only a temporary part of an eternal journey.
With love and heartfelt condolences,
May & Derek Fairbanks
I would like to say I am sorry for your loss and she is in a better place. She is back with her heavenly father and she is in no more pain. I hope you this as for James, he is sad of the loss of her, his mother. We love you and may God be with you till we meet again
Such a pleasure learning about your Mom. She sounds amazing. And my son's wife Shea taught at Bryant - in a similar, "alternative" way. My two grandsons attended there too. Very cool knowing that connection.
Our prayers are with all of you and your families during this difficult time. Your mom is a very special soul ….. and she will be greatly missed!! I appreciated her influence in my life, she continued to encourage and uplift so many!!! She even stopped by and visited my parents just a little while back and they so so enjoyed their visit all together. Sending all my love!
Sarah - Ben -Joseph - Thomas,
Visting with your parents, and particularly your mother, was always a tender experience. She cared so deeply about you - and learning. I am grateful for all you and your family have done for our community and the Church. You have always been a pillar of strength.
Brother Chabries
I appreciate the times I've been about to spend with Aunt Betty and the wonderful person she is. She has left a strong legacy and will be greatly missed.
My condolences to your family. I was fortunate to have taught with Betty as a new English teacher at Bryant and she was a beautiful, kind soul that took me under her wing and mentored me. She was so creative and had endless energy. I have fond memories preparing with her for the state history fair and then traveling together to watch one of our classes compete in Washington,DC. She touched so many lives and I feel so blessed to have known her.
A few kind words can mean a great deal to the family in the days ahead.
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