Ruth Lucille Fairbank

Ruth Lucille Fairbank, 97, of Topeka, passed away Friday, February 3, 2017. Born on August 4, 1919, daughter of Philip Andrew and Frances Margaret (Thompson) Fairbank, she was ranked among the 100 top athletes in Shawnee County history. She joined softball and basketball teams organized by companies for which she worked, Capper's , Ed Marling's and the Santa Fe Railway. A deft left-handed shortstop and slugger for the Chesney Park 1944 state championship softball team, when her tireless arm pitched 19 innings in the last two days, she was also throughout the competition playing 83 city tournament tennis games.

In 1935, she was named to the second squad of the All-American women's basketball team. She won Topeka's women's singles, doubles and mixed doubles tennis titles in multiple years, and for three consecutive seasons held all three.

She attended Washburn University and worked a short time for Capper's and Ed Marling's before a 40-year career in the freight claims department of the Santa Fe Railway.

A recreational golfer and bowler into her 80s's, Ruth remained a lifelong, passionate K-State sports fan in large tribute to her brother, Pete, who lettered in three sports at K-State. Ruth was a member of Brookwood Covenant Church. She is survived by her nieces, Nancy Sue Farnham, Suzanne Fairbank Morhart, Diane Fairbank, Sharon Fairbank Holcomb; and nephew, Larry Farnham.

A funeral service will be 10 a.m., Tuesday, February 7, 2017 at the Brookwood Covenant Church, 3601 SW 33rd St., Topeka, KS 66614. Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Topeka. Ruth will lie in repose after 3 p.m., Monday at the Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, where the family will receive friends from 6-7 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be given to Brookwood Covenant Church.

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