"We have enjoyed our association with the family over the years. We have good memories of Mrs. Maas' children and grandchildren as students in our classes and as friends. We are so sorry for your loss. It is always difficult to lose a mother at any age. "
In loving memory of
Fairis F. Whitehill Maas
July 7, 1922 - July 24, 2017
Fairis Florene Whitehill-Maas, daughter of Jesse and Gladys Florene (Henn) Sliger, was born July 7, 1922 in Union, Nebraska. She passed away on July 24, 2017 at Nebraska Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska at the age of 95.
When she was young the family moved to Rock Port, Missouri and then to the Northboro, Iowa area. She graduated from Northboro High School in 1940. She was a four year starter on the girls basketball team.
She was united in marriage to Kenneth Whitehill on February 4, 1942 in Rock Port, Missouri. They lived in Northboro, Iowa where Kenneth farmed. After Kenneth's death in 1958 she moved to Coin, Iowa. In 1962, she married Edward Maas and moved to Shenandoah, Iowa; where she lived the rest of her days.
Fairis was a homemaker until Kenneth's passing in 1958; then was a custodian at the grade school in Coin, worked for Veterinarian Dr. Hogg, seamstress / alterations for Goldberg's Clothing in Shenandoah, bookkeeper for Henry Fields, KMA and Montgomery Ward, and at the age of 62 she retired from Eaton Corporation. She was a member of the Methodist Churches in Northboro and Shenandoah. She enjoyed playing cards especially Pitch, Canasta, Phase 10 with family and friends. Many Pitch marathons were known to happen. She loved to sew and was a beautiful seamstress. Also loved St. Louis Cardinal baseball, watching her kids, grandkids and great-grandkids in school activities.
Fairis was preceded in death by her parents, husbands Kenneth Whitehill and Edward Maas, brother Robert Sliger, sister Betty Sliger and many other relatives..
She was survived by her children; Linda (Gene) McMullen of Shenandoah, Danny (Mary) Whitehill of Farragut and Vicki (David) Stevens of Farragut, grandchildren; Diane (Mike) Wilson of Shenandoah, Sheri (Joe) Wilson of Olathe, KS, Ken (Jill) Whitehill of Sidney, Jamie (Cory) Avey of Randolph, Leigh (Victor) Bycroft of Humboldt, Katie Morris of College Springs, Nikki Stevens of Jacksonville, NC, Natalie Cottrell of Shenandoah, Brandon Stevens of Omaha, 13 great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandson, numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
When Kenneth passed away, Fairis took on many jobs to raise her three children and keep her family together. Fairis was a loving mother and fun one too. She was a loving grandmother who made her grandchildren feel loved and special. She loved a good joke and had a smile and twinkle in her eye when her family was gathered and the room filled with laughter.
Celebration of life funeral service will be held 10:30 am, Friday, July 28, 2017 at the Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home in Shenandoah.
Visitation with the family will be held from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm, Thursday, July 27, 2017 at the Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home in Shenandoah.
Burial will be held at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Shenandoah.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
Tributes
"Danny & Mary, my sympathy for the loss of your mom Love from Pat (Brink)"
"Linda, Danny, Vicki and families - You are all in our thoughts and prayers. She raised a wonderful family and you will have your memories forever."
"Vicki and family, I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. I know how close you were to her. Keep her in your memories, she will always be with you! "
"Remember Farris well. Knew her family beginning with her mother Gladys. When my younger sister was born, Gladys came to help. Farris' daughter and our daughter were classmates. Omg history."
"To the family of Fairis Maas, I'm so sorry for your loss. I did her hair at Forest Park and I really enjoyed our visits. She will be greatly missed and I feel blessed to have known her."
"Sorry to hear of the passing of Fairis. She was a delight to visit with. My thoughts and prayers are with all of her family. May God grant you Peace and Comfort."
"So sorry for your loss. Farris was such a great lady and will be missed greatly prayers to the family "
"We are so sorry to hear that Fairis passed away. She was a lovely strong lady and she will be missed by many. May God give you peace and comfort."