Joy Oenone Slack Fairbanks, 93, returned to her Heavenly Father on November 1st, 2016. Oenone was born to Heber Martin and Gladys Joy Slack on January 20th, 1923 in Salt Lake City, UT. She was affectionately known by her close friends as Noney. She attended South High School where she was associated with a variety of clubs. Oenone was an avid genealogist, a talent she developed at a very young age, and she loved sharing her knowledge of family history with others.
She earned an Associate's Degree in Business from LDS Business College. She was also enrolled at the University of Utah where she was president of the Delta Ki Sorority, a member of the ballroom dance team, and she also enjoyed taking part in a horseback riding club. In addition to her love for family history Oenone took part in a sewing club and numerous family and friends were recipients of her time and talent. Bob and Oenone were also part of a dinner club for many years and they treasured the relationship with those dear friends, laughter could always be heard around the dinner table. They loved to travel with friends and family visiting many countries and meeting many new people. Oenone would often light up when talking about the people she met and the places she saw. However, she particularly loved an African Safari they took.
Oenone loved all her friends and family but none more than her sweetheart Bob whom she met at the tender age of 15. Bob and Oenone were married for time and all eternity on May 7th, 1942 in the Salt Lake Temple. A dedicated member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, she served faithfully in many callings. A few of her favorites included; Family History Consultant, Organist, and serving as a missionary with her husband. Gathering around the piano while she played was always a favorite family tradition, especially at Christmas.
Survived by her daughters; Robyn (Brian) Salmond, Sheryl (Lorin) Poulsen, Tammy Swenson, Deanna (Craig) Barlow, 28 grandchildren and 46 great-grandchildren. Brother-in-law Bryce (Madge) Fairbanks, Sister-in-law Connie (Jack) Fairbanks-Kinsey and many nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by husband Robert, her parents Heber Martin and Joy Slack, son Barry (Patti) Robert Fairbanks, brother-in-law Frank Fairbanks, son-in-law Dave Swenson and 2 grandsons; Zachary Paul Barlow and Joshua Lowell Salmond.
Services will be held Monday November 7th, 2016 at 2:00pm at the LDS Chapel on 2795 East Crestview Dr. Salt Lake City, UT. Friends may call November 7th from 1:00-1:45pm at the same location. Internment at Larkin Sunset Lawn 2350 East 1300 South Salt Lake City, UT.
