Mary Bair

Mary Jane Bair, 61, of Wallace, Idaho died on March 8, 2015 in a tragic skiing accident at Lookout Pass Ski Area. Mary Jane was born on November 16, 1953 in Ogden, UT at Hill Air Force Base. Mary Jane was the daughter of Bruce B. and Jane (Lawler) Bair.

Mary Jane graduated from Mandan High School, Mandan, ND in 1971. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from the University of North Dakota in 1976. In 1980 Mary Jane earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts, and in 1983 received a Bachelor of Arts in English, both from Washington State University.

From 1986 through 2007, Mary Jane was an English and Reading teacher for the Kellogg Middle and High Schools. In 2009 until present, she taught Family and Consumer Science and Video/TV production at Mullan High School. In addition, she served as an advisor for the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America Club at Mullan High School. Mary Jane enjoyed being a class advisor and mentoring her students. Mary Jane was a member of the Idaho Education Association, Mullan Education Association, Friends of the Wallace City Pool, and the Silver Valley Stitchers. She was an avid supporter of many community fund-raisers and events throughout the area. For several years Mary Jane was a children's ski instructor at Lookout Pass. Her student skiers followed her around like little ducklings.

Mary Jane loved and enjoyed her family. Her children, Charlie and Carrie, were the light of her life. She was a gifted artist who designed and created beautiful embroidered pieces and pressed flower cards. Mary Jane loved to ski, hike, garden and read. She was a great supporter of her fiancé John’s photography work and together they ran an art gallery in Wallace.

Grateful for sharing her life are her beloved children, Charlie Roberts of Sandpoint, and Carrie Roberts of Wallace, her fiancé John Darrington of Wallace; her mother Jane Bair of Mandan, ND; eight brothers and sisters: Tom (Jackie) Bair of Mandan, ND, Sue (Jim) Fristad of Grand Forks, ND, Barb Bair and Glen Hartman of Urbana, IL, Patty (Mark) Reid of Houston, TX, Jim (Kim) Bair of Madison, WI, Joan Becker of Cooperstown, ND, Bruce Bair of Santa Monica, CA, and Jeff Bair of Salt Lake City, UT; she is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, and a great niece. Mary Jane was preceded in death by her father, Bruce B. Bair, Jr.

A visitation/viewing for family and friends will be held on Friday, March 13, 2015, from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at the Kellogg Funeral Chapel; everyone is welcome. A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2015, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church of Wallace with Father Marcos Sanchez serving as celebrant. The family invites you for lunch and fellowship at the Wallace Elks following the service.

SHOSHONE FUNERAL SERVICES KELLOGG, IDAHO is entrusted with funeral arrangements.

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