Rosa Ilene Fair Obituary (2019)

Rosa Ilene Justice Fair passed at home at 5:30 am on August 26, 2019. Rosa was born in October of 1944 in Decatur, IL to Mildred Alene and Elijah Franklin Justice. Rosa married Allen James Fair in March of 1960. Rosa was better known by family and friends as Bootsie or Boots. This cute little name came about when she was born. Our step-grandmother came to see the new baby Rosa, bringing a box full of several multi-color booties (crocheted). Hence, the nickname that lasted a lifetime, “Bootsie.” Bootsie was fun loving, had many friends and many interests. Rosa and husband Allen were caretakers of Isaac Walton League grounds for 10 years. They had many great times on their house boat, “the Lollipop.” Bootsie and Allen were Harley riders for many years and were founding members of Abate. She was a legend racing the Powder Puff Derby undefeated at Macon Speedway and at Farmer City race track by coming across the finish line in her car upside-down with a broken arm, and she won the race! Having been retired from Firestone after 25 years, she began a life filled with her love of gardening, canning her infamous “Salsa” for her family. Rosa is survived by sons: Michael A. Fair (finance Mary Lynne Gut), David S. Fair (wife Pamela), and Sonny E. Fair (significant other Amy Spears); sisters: Dixie Lee Hedden (Bob), Glenda Kay Strode (Melvin), Judy Carol Urquhart (James), all of Decatur, IL and Shirley Ann Elmore (Bob) of Florida; five grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, many friends in Illinois and Florida, and her beloved fur babies Tinker, Dee Dee and Ginger; and aunts & uncles, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Allen James; sons: Danny Lee Fair and Dennis James Fair; mother, Mildred A. Justice; and father, Frank E. Justice. A memorial will be held at a later time. Tanzyus Logan Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.