Rosa Rochell "Shelly" Fairbanks

Rosa Rochell (Shelly) Fairbanks, 40, of Iola, passed away May 19, 2015 at her home surrounded by the love of her family. A visitation is set for Saturday May 30 from 6-8pm at Memorial Funeral Chapel in College Station. Funeral services are set for Sunday May 31 at 10:00 am at the funeral home. Interment to follow at Independence Cemetery.

Shelly was born January 19, 1975 in Brenham TX, to Lloyd and Frances Fairbanks becoming the 11th and final child of this family.

She is survived by her parents Lloyd and Frances (Stinnett) Fairbanks of Anderson,TX; siblings Regina Vilanova, and husband Ed, Christina Fairbanks, John Fairbanks, Lloyd Fairbanks and wife Annie all of Iola ,TX , Samuel Fairbanks of Edge, TX , Jerry Fairbanks of Navasota, TX , Mark Fairbanks and wife Katalla of Fairbanks, AK , Pam Boyd and husband Jim of Frankln, TX , Kenny Fairbanks and wife Rita of Anderson, TX and Deborah Flagler and husband Paul of Normangee, TX. She also leaves behind 28 nieces and nephews, 15 great nieces and nephews, with one on the way.

Preceding her in death were maternal grandparents Garrett Stinnett, Lucille Avera, E.P. Reed, and paternal grandparents John F and Rosa Lee (Farquhar) Fairbanks, sister in law Stacy Fairbanks, and niece Ashton Fairbanks.

Shelly graduated from Elsik High School in Houston, TX on June 6th, 1997. Soon after, she came to live in the permanent care of her sister Regina where she enjoyed participating in the Mosaic Dayhab Program answering phones, filing and being of any service possible.

Having been diagnosed as disabled from birth, she never let her physical limitations keep her from engaging in or enjoying life to the fullest. She proved time and again that modern medicine was no match for the tenacity strength or determination she possessed; aptly she defied the odds and lived 40 years and 4 months greatly surpassing the original 2 years projected at birth. Shelly's passions in life were family, friends, music, dancing and reading.

Her laughter was contagious and children flocked to her like candy knowing nothing but gentleness in her touch she was the "go to " person in the family for information earning her the title " little Miss Operator".

While we mourn the loss of her physical presence, knowing that she is no longer being held captive in a body that betrayed her and is free from all earthly pain and suffering brings us peace.